Name the following ketones and aldehydes. When possible, give both a common name and an IUPAC name.
(b) CH₃(CH₂)₂CO(CH₂)₂CH₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the functional group in the given compound. The compound contains a carbonyl group (C=O), which is characteristic of ketones. Since the carbonyl group is bonded to two alkyl groups, this confirms it is a ketone.
2. Step 2: Determine the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the carbonyl group. In this case, the longest chain has six carbons, and the carbonyl group is located on the fourth carbon when numbering starts from the end closest to the carbonyl group.
3. Step 3: Assign the IUPAC name. The parent chain is a six-carbon alkane (hexane), and the ketone functional group is indicated by replacing the '-e' in 'hexane' with '-one.' The position of the carbonyl group is specified by a number, resulting in the name 'hexan-4-one.'
4. Step 4: Assign the common name. For ketones, the common name is derived by naming the two alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon in alphabetical order, followed by the word 'ketone.' In this case, the two groups are 'propyl' and 'ethyl,' so the common name is 'ethyl propyl ketone.'
5. Step 5: Verify the names. Ensure that the IUPAC name 'hexan-4-one' and the common name 'ethyl propyl ketone' are consistent with the structure of the compound and follow the respective naming conventions.

Key Concepts

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In organic chemistry, ketones and aldehydes are defined by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O), where ketones have the carbonyl group flanked by two carbon atoms, while aldehydes have at least one hydrogen atom attached to the carbonyl carbon.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic method for naming organic compounds. It involves identifying the longest carbon chain containing the functional group, numbering the chain to give the functional group the lowest possible number, and using prefixes and suffixes to indicate the type and position of functional groups, such as 'ketone' or 'aldehyde'.

Common Names vs. IUPAC Names

Common names are often simpler and more traditional names used for organic compounds, while IUPAC names follow a standardized set of rules. For example, the common name for butan-2-one is methyl ethyl ketone, which reflects its structure in a more intuitive way. Understanding both naming conventions is essential for accurately identifying and communicating about organic compounds.