Amyl nitrite is a fast-acting medicine used in chest pain (angina). Its common name "amyl" actually refers to the isoamyl group, which is the same as 3-methylbutyl.
Concept: Amyl nitrite is a fast-acting medicine used in chest pain (angina). Its common name "amyl" actually refers to the isoamyl group, which is the same as 3-methylbutyl.
Step 1: The isoamyl group is a four-carbon butyl chain with a methyl branch on carbon 3. When we add the nitrite part, the proper IUPAC name becomes 3-methylbutyl nitrite.
Step 2: The other choices either put the methyl in the wrong place (2-methyl) or add an ethyl group that is not present, so they are incorrect.