what does alpha , beta etc mean while writing IUPAC names?

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Solution

The carbon next to functional group is called an alpha carbon and that to next is beta and next gamma. In IUPAC all the positions are named as numbers only with respect to functional group. While giving the number the least number is given to functional group because of its priority. For eg.,
$C H_{3} C H (O H) C H O a n d (O H) C H_{2} C H_{2} C H O H e r e C H O i s a f u n c t i o n a l g r o u p . T h e f i r s t o n e i s α - h y d r o x y p r o p a n a l d e h y d e a n d s e c o n d o n e i s β - h y d r o x y p r o p a n a l d e h y d e . B u t i n I U P A C t h e n a m e s a r e 2 - h y d r o x y p r o p a n a l a n d 3 - h y d r o x y p r o p a n a l (A s C H O i s m o r e p r i o r i t y t h a n O H g r o u p)$

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