Chemistry - Nomenclature Question with Solution | TestHub

To determine the sum of the locants for the methyl groups in 2,4-dimethyl-3-oxopentanal, first identify the parent chain and functional groups.

The parent chain is "pentanal," indicating a five-carbon aldehyde. The aldehyde group (-CHO) is always at C-1.

The "3-oxo" indicates a ketone group ($=O$) at C-3.

The "2,4-dimethyl" indicates methyl groups (-CH₃) at C-2 and C-4.

The structure is:

CH₃-CH(CH₃)-C(=O)-CH(CH₃)-CHO

The methyl groups are located at positions 2 and 4.

The sum of the locants for the methyl groups is $2+4=6$.