Question

IUPAC name of $\alpha$-hydroxybutyraldehyde is:

• A. 1-hydroxybutanal
• B. 2-hydroxybutanol
• C. 2-hydroxybutanal
• D. 2-hydroxybutyraldehyde

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2-hydroxybutanal

In a hydroxybutyraldehyde, the parent carbon chain is butane and one aldehyde group is present. Hence, it is represented as butanal.

Aldehyde has higher priority than alcohol functional group.

Also one hydroxyl group at second (or alpha) carbon atom is present.

Hence, the IUPAC name of a hydroxybutyraldehyde is 2-hydroxy butanal.



Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.