Chapter 5.3, Problem 5P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structural formulas are to be drawn for isomeric alcohols having molecular formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}\text{O}$ and their functional class and substitutive names are to be written.

Concept introduction:

The molecular formula tells the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.

Each carbon atom forms four bonds while each oxygen atom forms two bonds. There are two pairs of unshared electrons on each oxygen atom.

The general formula for alcohol is $\text{ROH}$.

The isomers for alcohols can be drawn with the different possible connectivities of atoms.

For functional class nomenclature of alcohols, the numbering should be started from the carbon at which the hydroxyl group is attached and carbon chain should be named as alkyl group by adding “alcohol” as a separate word at the end.

For substitutive nomenclature of alcohols, the numbering should be given to the longest continuous chain having hydroxyl group in a way that the carbon bearing hydroxyl group should get the lowest number and the alcohol should be named by indicating the position of hydroxyl group by that carbon number and replacing “e” in the corresponding alkane by “ol.”