Name each carboxylic acid or ester.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional group present in the molecule. In this case, it is an ester, characterized by the -COO- group.
2. Determine the alkyl group attached to the oxygen atom of the ester. Count the number of carbon atoms in this chain. Here, it is a two-carbon chain, which is ethyl.
3. Identify the acyl group (the part of the molecule containing the carbonyl group, C=O). Count the number of carbon atoms in this chain, including the carbonyl carbon. Here, it is a six-carbon chain, which is hexanoate.
4. Combine the names of the alkyl group and the acyl group. The name of the ester is formed by naming the alkyl group first, followed by the name of the acyl group with the suffix '-oate'.
5. Thus, the name of the ester is ethyl hexanoate.

Key Concepts

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more carboxyl groups (-COOH). They are known for their acidic properties due to the ability of the carboxyl group to donate a proton (H+). The naming convention typically involves identifying the longest carbon chain containing the carboxyl group and adding the suffix '-oic acid' to the root name.

Esters

Esters are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols, formed through a condensation reaction that releases water. They are characterized by the functional group -COO-, where the carbon atom is bonded to an alkyl or aryl group. The naming of esters involves naming the alkyl group from the alcohol followed by the name of the acid with the suffix '-ate'.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming chemical compounds, ensuring that each compound has a unique and descriptive name. For carboxylic acids and esters, the rules include identifying the longest carbon chain, determining the functional groups, and applying appropriate suffixes and prefixes. This standardized approach helps in accurately communicating the structure and type of compound.