The IUPAC name of any organic compound consists of four parts, i.e., word root, primary and secondary suffixes and prefixes. The word root denotes the total number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms present in the molecule. The primary suffix denotes whether the compound is saturated (i.e., ane) or unsaturated (i.e., ene or yne) while the secondary suffix denotes the functional group present in the molecule. The primary prefix cyclo is used only when the compound is cyclic in nature while the secondary prefixes denote the substituents and secondary functional groups, if any.
IUPAC name of methyl alcohol is

Options

A. methanol
B. ethanol
C. ethanal
D. ethanoic acid

Answer

To determine the IUPAC name of methyl alcohol (CH3OH), we will follow the steps outlined in the question regarding the naming conventions for organic compounds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Word Root**:
- The word root indicates the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain. In the case of methyl alcohol (CH3OH), there is only **1 carbon atom**. The word root for one carbon is **"meth"**.

2. **Determine the Primary Suffix**:
- The primary suffix indicates whether the compound is saturated or unsaturated. Methyl alcohol is saturated because it contains single bonds only. Therefore, the primary suffix is **"ane"**.

3. **Identify the Functional Group**:
- Methyl alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which is characteristic of alcohols. The secondary suffix for alcohols is **"ol"**.

4. **Combine the Parts**:
- Now, we combine the word root, primary suffix, and secondary suffix.
- The word root is "meth", the primary suffix is "ane", and the secondary suffix is "ol".
- Therefore, the name becomes **"methanol"**.

### Final Answer:
The IUPAC name of methyl alcohol is **methanol**.