Most appropriate representation of 3,4,4,5-tetramethylheptane [closed]








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Is there a specific correct way to draw the structure of 3,4,4,5-tetramethylheptane?


[![structure image](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pgsBG.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pgsBG.png)




Generally, it cannot be said that a specific representation is “right” and that all others are “wrong”. Nevertheless, the relevant guidelines given in the [*Graphical Representation Standards for Chemical Structure Diagrams* (IUPAC Recommendations 2008)](http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/pac200880020277) read as follows:



> 
> *GR-4.1.3 Atoms with four bonds drawn*  
> 
> Atoms with four bonds may be depicted in several different ways, with a preference among these ways determined by context.  
> 
> When two of the adjacent atoms are each connected to no additional atoms and two of the adjacent atoms are each connected to at least one additional atom, the four bonds should be separated by one 60° angle, an opposing 120° angle, and two 90° angles. Because of the 120° angle, this style will not disrupt the orientation of a chain in which it appears. (…)
> 
> 
> 


Therefore, the structure diagram of 3,4,4,5-tetramethylheptane should look like this:


![3,4,4,5-tetramethylheptane](https://i.stack.imgur.com/YfHpl.png)
Note the 120° angles of the chain, which are missing in the examples given in the question.


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