Question

What is the IUPAC name of ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COCl}$?

Answer 1

IUPAC Nomenclature

• “In order to clearly identify the compound, a systematic method of naming has been developed and is known as the IUPAC (Internation Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) system of nomenclature.”

Step 1: Determination of root word:

• In order to define the length of the carbon chain names are, For one carbon atom - Methane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$, for two carbon atoms chain- Ethane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)$, for three carbon atoms chain- Propane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)$ and so on.
• The root word here is ‘-Eth’

Step 2: Determination of functional group:

• In the given compound, the functional group is -COCl. Their formula is generally written RCOCl (where R is a side chain and it can be an alkyl or acyl group). They are the reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids where –OH (alcohol) is replaced by –Cl (chloride).

Step 3: Structure of ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COCl}$:

• The structure is as follows:

• Hence, the IUPAC name of ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COCl}$ is acetyl chloride or Ethanoyl chloride.