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What Is the IUPAC name of α, β-dimethyl valeric acid?

Correct answer: D. 2,3-dimethyl pentanoic acid

  • A. 2,3-dimethyl hexanoic acid
  • B. 3,4-dimethyl hexanoic acid
  • C. 3,4-dimethyl pentanoic acid
  • D. 2,3-dimethyl pentanoic acid

Explanation

Valeric acid is the name for pentanoic acid. α carbon is the carbon attached to the carboxyl group. While β carbon is the one attached to α carbon. In IUPAC system, we start numbering the carbon atoms from the carboxyl group so α carbon will be C-2 and β carbon will be C-3. Since one methyl group each is attached to C-2 and C-3, and the parent chain is pentanoic acid, the IUPAC name will be 2,3-dimethyl pentanoic acid.Hence, option D is correct.

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About Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.

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