How do we name #(HO)H_2C-CH(CH_3)CH(OH)CH_2CH(CH_3)CH_3# unambiguously?

1 Answer
anor277 · P dilip_k
Feb 12, 2016

#2,5-"dimethylhexane"-1,3-"diol"#

#(HO)H_2stackrel1Cstackrel2CH(CH_3)stackrel3CH(OH)CH_2stackrel5CH(CH_3)stackrel6CH_3#

Explanation:

Clearly it's a diol derivative, with the longest chain 6 carbons long. We number FROM the primary alcohol:

#2,5-"dimethylhexane"-1,3-"diol"#

I think this is unambiguous and correct, but I might have broken some arcane rule. There are THREE chiral centres in the molecule as given. Can you identify their positions?

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