Question

Phytane is a naturally occurring alkane produced by the alga spirogyra and is a constituent of petroleum. The IUPAC name for phytane is 2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane. Write a zig-zag formula for phytane. How many primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary carbons are present in this molecule?

Answer 1

Zig-zag formula of phytane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane) is as follows:

2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane

Dash formula to represent types of C-atom:

In phytane, six 1° C-atoms, ten 2° C-atoms, four 3° C-atoms are present. Phytane does not contain any quaternary carbon atom in its structure.