what is the difference between the prefixes iso,neo,sec & tert
Prefix iso is used for those alkanes in which one methyl group is attached to the next to end carbon atom (second last) of the continuous chain.
Example isopentane is CH3CH(CH3) - CH2CH3
Prefix neo is used for those alkanes in which two methyl groups are attached to the next to end carbon atom (second last) of the continuous chain.
Example neopentane is CH3C(CH3)2 - CH3
Prefix sec- is used for those carbon atoms which are joined to two other carbon atoms.
Example
Prefix tert- is used for those carbon atoms which are joined to three other carbon atoms.
Example
iso and neo are basically used for alkyl groups and sec and tert are used for carbon atoms which have functional groups, charge or are radicals.