Chapter 21, Problem 61E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structural formula for $\text{2-hexanol}$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The structural formula is a simplified model that represents the arrangement of atoms and bonds in a molecule.

In the IUPAC name of an organic compound, the number before the root name or substituent represent the position of the substituent. The functional group may be represented as a suffix or as a prefix. Alcohol can be represented by prefix or by suffix. The suffix for alcohol is ‘ol’ and the prefix is ‘hydroxyl’. The general formula of alcohol is $-\text{OH}$.

The number of carbon atoms in the parent hydrocarbon chain is represented by the root name. For example: ‘prop’ represent three carbon atoms in the parent hydrocarbon chain. The suffix for an alkane is ‘ane’.When ‘ane’ and ‘ol’ come together, the ‘e’ from ‘ane’ is cancelled out. The general format to name alcohol is as follows:

$\text{Alkane prefix}+-\text{ol}$