Determine the number of carbon atoms in the principal carbon chain of the compound: (Citric acid). — IUPAC and Nomenclature Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Following the 1993 rule for 3 or more identical terminal groups directly attached to an unbranched chain, the carbons of the $-COOH$ groups are excluded. The parent chain is propane (3 carbons). The full name is 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid.