What is the total number of carbon atoms present in the principal carbon chain of the IUPAC name for — IUPAC and Nomenclature Chemistry Question
Question
What is the total number of carbon atoms present in the principal carbon chain of the IUPAC name for $HOOC-CH_2-CH(COOH)-CH_2-COOH$ (using the 1993 recommendations for $\ge3$ identical terminal groups)?
Answer: 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
When three identical chain-terminating groups are attached to an unbranched chain, the carbons of the functional groups are excluded from the principal chain. The remaining unbranched chain connects the three groups directly, consisting of $CH_2-CH-CH_2$ (3 carbons, propane). The name is Propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid.
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