IUPAC name of `CH_(2)OH-CH_(2)OH` is

Options

A. 1, 2 - dihydroxy ethane
B. Ethylene glycol
C. Ethane - 1, 2- diol
D. Ethane - 1, 2 - dial

Answer

To determine the IUPAC name of the compound `CH₂OH-CH₂OH`, we follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the longest carbon chain
The given structure has two carbon atoms, each connected to a hydroxyl (–OH) group. Therefore, the longest carbon chain consists of two carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Determine the base name
Since there are two carbon atoms in the longest chain, the base name is "ethane".

### Step 3: Identify the functional groups
The functional group present in this compound is the hydroxyl group (–OH), which classifies the compound as an alcohol. Since there are two hydroxyl groups, we will use the prefix "di-" to indicate the presence of two hydroxyl groups.

### Step 4: Number the carbon chain
We need to number the carbon atoms in such a way that the hydroxyl groups get the lowest possible numbers. In this case, both hydroxyl groups are on the first and second carbon atoms. Thus, we have:
- Carbon 1: –OH
- Carbon 2: –OH

### Step 5: Combine the information
The compound is therefore named "ethane" with two hydroxyl groups at positions 1 and 2. The correct IUPAC name will be "ethane-1,2-diol".

### Final Answer
The IUPAC name of `CH₂OH-CH₂OH` is **ethane-1,2-diol**.

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