To determine the IUPAC name of a compound, follow these steps:
Identify the longest carbon chain: The compound should be named based on the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms. In this scenario, consider a butane chain (which has 4 carbon atoms) as it appears to feature prominently.
Number the carbon atoms: Number the chain in such a way to give the lowest possible numbers to the substituents. The substituents here are a bromo group (Br) and a methyl group (CH3).
Assign locants and organize substituents alphabetically: There seem to be two groups attached to the main chain: a bromo group and a methyl group. When writing the full name, organize them alphabetically (i.e., bromo comes before methyl).
Write the complete IUPAC name: After numbering, identify the position of the bromo and methyl groups. If they are both on the second carbon, the name is "2-bromo, 2-methylbutane." But if they are on the third carbon, the name would be "3-bromo, 3-methylbutane."
Hence, by following these steps, if the bromo and methyl groups are both attached to the second carbon (lowest numbering possible), the IUPAC name of the compound is "2-bromo, 2-methyl butane."
