Chapter A, Problem A.39P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of primary and secondary carbon atoms in $\text{3-tert-butylhexane}$ are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An alkane is said to be substituted if a hydrogen atom of the alkane is replaced by another atom or group of atoms. In the name of a molecule, the root defines the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain. The names of the substituents and their respective locant numbers show the carbon atoms of the root to which the substituents are attached.

A primary carbon has only one carbon attached to it while a secondary carbon has two carbons attached to it.