Understanding the Structure
The compound CH3-CH2-COH-CH(CN)-CHO contains a linear chain of carbon atoms with various functional groups. To derive the IUPAC name, we need to identify the longest carbon chain and the functional groups attached.
Identifying the Longest Carbon Chain
- The longest carbon chain consists of 5 carbon atoms (C1 to C5).
- The chain can be numbered to give the lowest possible numbers to the functional groups.
Functional Groups Present
- An aldehyde group (-CHO) is present at the terminal carbon (C1).
- A hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to C3.
- A cyano group (-CN) is attached to C4.
Numbering the Carbon Chain
- Start numbering from the aldehyde end (C1).
- The carbon chain can be numbered as follows:
- C1: -CHO (aldehyde)
- C2: CH2
- C3: -OH (hydroxyl)
- C4: -CN (cyano)
- C5: CH3
Formulating the IUPAC Name
- The compound is classified as an aldehyde due to the presence of the -CHO group.
- The presence of the -OH group indicates that it is also an alcohol. However, aldehydes take precedence in naming.
- The cyano group is a substituent.
Final IUPAC Name
The IUPAC name of the compound is 2-hydroxy-4-cyanopentanal.
In this name:
- "Pentanal" indicates a five-carbon aldehyde.
- "2-hydroxy" indicates the hydroxyl group at the second carbon.
- "4-cyano" indicates the cyano group at the fourth carbon.