Identify the common name of the following compound:CH₃CH₂COCH₂OH
Correct answer: B. Α-hydroxy-ethyl methyl ketone
- A. Α-hydroxy-ethyl methyl aldehyde
- B. Α-hydroxy-ethyl methyl ketone
- C. Β-hydroxy-ethyl methyl ketone
- D. None of the above
Explanation
For the common naming of a ketone, the two alkyl groups on both the sides of the carbonyl group are first identified, and then Greek letters are used for specifying the position of the carbon atoms near the carbonyl group. Let us now understand the concept of α, β, and γ carbons. α carbon= the one attached to carbonyl group β carbon= the one next to α carbon γ carbon= the one next to β carbon For the compound in question, the hydroxy group is attached to the α carbon and the alkyl groups are ethyl (2 carbons on the left side) and methyl (1 carbon on the right side). Additionally, the alphabetical order is followed while writing alkyl groups. Hence, the common name of the compound becomes α-hydroxy-ethyl methyl ketone.
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About Aldehydes and Ketones
Aldehydes and ketones contain the polar carbonyl group, but aldehydes are generally more readily oxidised and more reactive than ketones. Coverage includes preparation by oxidation or reduction routes, nucleophilic addition of reagents such as hydrogen cyanide and bisulfite, and tests that distinguish aldehydes from ketones.
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