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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for an alcohol with the molecular formula C3H8O?
A
Propanol
B
Ethanol
C
Butanol
D
Methanol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the molecular formula given, C3H8O, which indicates the compound contains 3 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom.
Step 2: Recognize that the presence of an oxygen atom in the formula suggests the compound is an alcohol, characterized by the hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step 3: Determine the root name based on the number of carbon atoms. For 3 carbon atoms, the root name is 'propane'.
Step 4: Modify the root name to reflect the presence of the alcohol group. Replace the '-e' in 'propane' with '-ol' to form 'propanol'.
Step 5: Verify the IUPAC naming rules: the longest carbon chain containing the hydroxyl group is used, and the hydroxyl group is given the lowest possible number. In this case, the name 'propanol' is correct as it follows these rules.