Question

What is the IUPAC name of CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)OH?

• A. Methanol
• B. Ethanol
• C. Propanol
• D. Butanol

Hint:

The suffix -ol indicates an alcohol, and the prefix (meth-, eth-, prop-) counts carbon atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The compound CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)OH has two carbon atoms, an -OH group, and no double or triple bonds, indicating an alcohol. For alcohols, the IUPAC name is based on the number of carbon atoms:
- 1 carbon: Methanol
- 2 carbons: Ethanol
- 3 carbons: Propanol
- 4 carbons: Butanol
Since there are two carbons, the name is ethanol. Thus, option (2) is correct.