The IUPAC name of β-ethoxy-α-hydroxypropanic acid is
3-Ethoxy-2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Firstly lets try to make the structure of the compound .
What is α and β?
α - carbon → The first carbon which is attached to the functional group.
β - carbon → The second carbon which is attached to the functional group.
Therefore, because it is propanoic acid → -COOH group.
Ethoxy →−O−C2H5
Hydroxy → OH
⇒
Now, parent chain and numbering
[Because COOH is higher in preference]
word root = prop
COOH group ⇒ suffix → oic acid
⇒ propanoic acid
Now, substituents are -OH at C2 and −CH2−O−C2H5 at C3
Therefore, 3-Ethoxy -2-hydroxypropanoic acid