Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

General Test

Chapter

General Knowledge

Question:

What is the suffix for -OH group according to IUPAC ?

Options:

-ol

-ene

-one

-anes 

Correct Answer:

-ol

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 1. -ol.

In IUPAC nomenclature (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry), the suffix "-ol" is used to indicate the presence of an alcohol functional group in an organic compound. The alcohol functional group consists of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. Here's a brief explanation:

1. Hydroxyl Group (-OH): The hydroxyl group is composed of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, and it is represented as -OH. In the context of organic chemistry, the hydroxyl group is a characteristic feature of alcohols.

2. Nomenclature: When naming organic compounds containing the -OH group, the suffix "-ol" is added to the root name of the hydrocarbon chain. The root name is determined based on the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms. The position of the hydroxyl group is indicated by a number, starting from the end of the chain closest to the hydroxyl group

Examples:

Methanol: CH₃OH (one carbon, -ol suffix)

Ethanol: C₂H₅OH (two carbons, -ol suffix)

Propanol: C₃H₇OH (three carbons, -ol suffix)

3. Alcohol Classification: Compounds with the -OH group can be classified as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°) alcohols based on the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group.

Primary alcohol: -CH₂OH

Secondary alcohol: -CHOH-

Tertiary alcohol: -COH

The use of the -ol suffix in IUPAC nomenclature helps in identifying and naming organic compounds containing the alcohol functional group.