Identify the main chain: The IUPAC name '4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-propylheptanamide' indicates a heptane backbone, which means the main chain has 7 carbon atoms.
Locate the functional groups: The suffix '-amide' indicates the presence of a carboxamide group (CONH2) at the end of the main chain.
Position the substituents: The '4-hydroxy' indicates a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the 4th carbon of the heptane chain.
Identify the N-substituents: 'N-methyl-N-propyl' indicates that the nitrogen atom of the amide group is bonded to a methyl group (CH3) and a propyl group (C3H7).
Draw the structure: Start with the heptane chain, add the hydroxyl group to the 4th carbon, and attach the amide group to the end of the chain. Then, connect the methyl and propyl groups to the nitrogen atom of the amide group.