IUPAC naming system:
- Select the longest possible chain that contains the α-carbon
- Number the carbon atoms in the chain in such a way that α-carbon gets the minimum number
- Then identify the hydrocarbon group and name it as per the IUPAC naming system.
- Now replace the ‘e’ in the end of the parent hydrocarbon name by ‘ol’.
Common naming system:
- The common name of alcohol is alkyl alcohol.
- Depending upon the upon the structure of the alkyl group, prefix n, iso, sec, tert or neo is added to the common name.
- ‘n’ is added when α-carbon and other carbon atoms make a straight chain. For example:
- ‘Iso’ is added when the ─OH group is attached to
For example:
- ‘sec’ is added when the α-carbon is attached to two other carbon atoms. For example:
- ‘tert’ is added when the α-carbon is attached to three other carbon atoms. For example:
- ‘Neo’ is used when quaternary carbon is present. For example:
