Question

condense this structural formula.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify main carbon chain

The longest continuous chain has 4 carbons (the horizontal chain: C-C-C-C).

Step2: Identify branched carbon

There is one -CH₃ branch on the 2nd carbon of the main chain, and another -CH₃ branch on the 3rd carbon of the main chain.

Step3: Write condensed formula

Combine the main chain and branches, grouping H atoms with their bonded C atoms.

Answer:

$\text{CH}_3\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}_3$