Identify the main chain: The name 'cis-5-methyl-2-hexene' indicates that the main chain is hexene, which consists of six carbon atoms with a double bond starting at the second carbon.
Draw the hexene backbone: Start by drawing a chain of six carbon atoms. Place a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms to represent the '2-hexene' part.
Add the methyl group: The '5-methyl' indicates a methyl group (CH₃) is attached to the fifth carbon atom in the chain. Add this group to the fifth carbon.
Ensure the cis configuration: The 'cis' configuration means that the substituents (hydrogen atoms or groups attached to the double-bonded carbons) are on the same side. Arrange the groups around the double bond so that they are on the same side.
Verify the structure: Double-check that the structure has six carbons in the main chain, a double bond between the second and third carbons, a methyl group on the fifth carbon, and that the configuration around the double bond is cis.