Naming organic compounds

5 marks · Hard

A student is trying to name the following organic compound. The displayed formula is shown below.

(a)

i) State the total number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

[1 mark]

(b)

ii) Identify the functional group present in the molecule.

[1 mark]

(c)

iii) Write the structural formula for this compound using condensed notation.

[1 mark]

(d)

iv) State the homologous series to which this compound belongs.

[1 mark]

(e)

v) Give the correct IUPAC name for this compound.

[1 mark]

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

Show answer

(a) 3

(b) alcohol (hydroxyl)

(d) alcohols

(e) propan-1-ol

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · States the correct number of carbon atoms (3).

B2 (b) · 1 mark · Identifies the hydroxyl (alcohol) functional group.

M1 (c) · 1 mark · Writes a correct condensed structural formula: CH3CH2CH2OH or equivalent.

B3 (d) · 1 mark · States: alcohols.

A1 (e) · 1 mark · Gives the IUPAC name: propan-1-ol.

Worked solution

a) There are three carbon atoms in the molecule.

b) The functional group present is an alcohol (–OH hydroxyl group).

c) The structural formula in condensed form is CH3CH2CH2OH.

d) The compound belongs to the homologous series called alcohols.

e) The IUPAC name is propan-1-ol.