Which of the following is the prefix for a 5-carbon alkane?

The prefix for a 5-carbon alkane is "Pent." In organic chemistry, alkane names are derived from a systematic naming convention that assigns prefixes based on the number of carbon atoms present in the molecule. Each of these prefixes corresponds to a specific number of carbon atoms, which helps to identify the structure and properties of different alkanes.

For example, "But" is the prefix for a 4-carbon alkane, "Hex" is used for a 6-carbon alkane, and "Oct" indicates an 8-carbon alkane. Therefore, "Pent," which stands for five, is used to denote the alkane with five carbon atoms, specifically known as pentane. This naming convention is important in the study of organic compounds, as it provides clarity and consistency in the nomenclature of hydrocarbons.