Determine the locant assigned to the carbon atom of the ketone () group in the correct IUPAC name of — IUPAC and Nomenclature Chemistry Question
Question
Determine the locant assigned to the carbon atom of the ketone ($>C=O$) group in the correct IUPAC name of the compound: $CH_3-CH(OH)-C(O)-CH_2-CH_2-COOH$.
Answer: 4
💡 Solution & Explanation
The carboxylic acid group has the highest priority, so numbering begins at the carboxyl carbon (C1). Tracing the longest continuous chain: C1 ($-COOH$), C2 ($-CH_2-$), C3 ($-CH_2-$), C4 ($>C=O$), C5 ($-CH(OH)-$), C6 ($-CH_3$). The ketone carbon is located at position 4.
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