What is the IUPAC name for C9H20?

The IUPAC name for the molecular formula C9H20 is correctly identified as Nonane. This alkane consists of nine carbon atoms, and the nomenclature for alkanes follows a systematic set of rules where the prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms in the longest unbranched chain.

In the case of C9H20, the "non-" prefix signifies nine carbon atoms, and the suffix "-ane" indicates that it is an alkane, which is a saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds between the carbon atoms. Therefore, the full name becomes Nonane.

Understanding the different prefixes is crucial to differentiating between other alkanes: "octane" refers to an alkane with eight carbon atoms (C8H18), "decane” corresponds to ten carbons (C10H22), and “hexane” indicates six carbons (C6H14). Each of these alkanes has distinct molecular formulas and characteristics, which is essential for accurately naming compounds in chemistry.