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

I
CH3 -CH-CH3

Prefix tert- is used for those carbon atoms which are joined to three other carbon atoms.

Example

I
CH3 -C-CH3
I
CH3
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.