Question

Identify the IUPAC name for Paracetamol.

• A. N-acetyl-p-aminophenol
• B. Acetylsalicylic acid
• C. 2-acetoxybenzoic acid
• D. N-phenylacetamide

Hint:

Important drug–chemical name relationships:

• \textbf{Paracetamol} $\rightarrow$ N-acetyl-p-aminophenol
• \textbf{Aspirin} $\rightarrow$ Acetylsalicylic acid
• \textbf{Ibuprofen} $\rightarrow$ 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid

Remember: \textbf{Paracetamol = N-acetyl-p-aminophenol}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. The IUPAC name of paracetamol is: \[ \text{N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide} \] However, it is also commonly referred to by its chemical name: \[ \text{N-acetyl-p-aminophenol} \] This name describes the structure of the compound, which contains an acetamide group attached to a para-substituted phenolic ring.
Step 1: Understanding the structure of Paracetamol.
Paracetamol consists of:

• A benzene ring
• A hydroxyl group (-OH) in the para position
• An acetamide group (-NHCOCH$_3$)

Because the acetamide group is attached to the para-amino phenol structure, the compound is called N-acetyl-p-aminophenol.
Step 2: Evaluating the options.

• N-acetyl-p-aminophenol: Chemical/IUPAC-related name for paracetamol. (Correct)
• Acetylsalicylic acid: The chemical name for Aspirin.
• 2-acetoxybenzoic acid: Another structural representation of aspirin.
• N-phenylacetamide: A different compound not equivalent to paracetamol.

Thus, the correct answer is: \[ \text{N-acetyl-p-aminophenol} \]