Chapter 22, Problem 110RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The condensed structures and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) names for all the alcohols with the general formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}\text{O}$ are to be represented.

Concept Information:

Alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxyl functional group, OH, is attached with the carbon atom. It is mainly represented by the general formula C_nH_2n+1OH. The simplest members of the alcohol group are methanol and ethanol.

The IUPAC names are developed for each compound so that there can be a systematic categorization for them.

General rules for IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds

•Recognize the functional group in the compound to determine the suffix of the name like, -ane for alkan, -ene for alken, -yne for alkyne, -ol for alcohol etc.

•Find the longest continuous carbon chain that contains the functional group and count the number of carbon atoms in this chain to determine the prefix of the compound name like, Meth- for single carbon, eth- for 2 carbon chain, prop- for 3 carbon chain, etc.

•Number the carbons in the longest carbon chain by stating with the carbon at the end closest to the functional group.

•Look for any branched groups, name them and assign the number of the carbon atom to which the group is attached like 2,4-.