See image — IUPAC and Nomenclature Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1 - Identify the parent structure: The molecule contains a benzene ring bearing a carboxylic acid (-COOH) substituent, which makes benzoic acid the parent name. Step 2 - Identify the substituent: At the para (4-) position of the benzoic acid ring there is a -CH2- group linked to a second phenyl (benzene) ring. The -CH2-C6H5 group is called a benzyl group. Step 3 - Combine parent and substituent: A benzoic acid with a benzyl group at the 4-position is named 4-benzylbenzoic acid. Step 4 - Confirm regiochemistry: The two substituents (COOH and CH2Ph) are on opposite ends of the central benzene ring (1,4-relationship = para), consistent with the drawn structure. Step 5 - No alternative options are present to eliminate in this naming question; the structure unambiguously corresponds to 4-benzylbenzoic acid. Therefore, the correct answer is 4-benzylbenzoic acid.