Select the correct IUPAC name for the branched alcohol.

The IUPAC name of the alcohol is:
A. 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyl-4-octanol
B. 2,4-diethyl-5-methyl-4-heptanol
C. 3,6-dimethyl-4-propyl-4-octanol
D. 6-methyl-4-(1-methylpropyl)-4-octanol



Answer :

To determine the correct IUPAC name for the given branched alcohol, follow these steps in detail:

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify the Longest Carbon Chain:
- First, find the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group (-OH).
- This chain will serve as the parent hydrocarbon.

2. Number the Carbon Chain:
- Number the carbon atoms in the longest chain starting from the end nearest the hydroxyl group.
- This ensures the hydroxyl group gets the lowest possible number.

3. Locate and Name Substituents:
- Identify and name all substituents (alkyl groups) attached to the main chain.
- Assign a number to each substituent based on the carbon atom to which it is attached.

4. Combine the Names:
- Combine the names of the substituents (with their corresponding numbers) with the name of the parent chain.
- List the substituents in alphabetical order.
- Use prefixes (di-, tri-) if there are multiple substituents of the same kind.
- Place the name of the main chain after the substituents, and attach the suffix "-ol" indicating the presence of an alcohol group.

Now, let’s apply these steps to the options given:

Option 1: 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyl-4-octanol
- Longest chain: 8 carbons (octane)
- Hydroxyl group at carbon 4
- Methyl groups at carbons 3 and 6
- An ethyl group at carbon 4
- Full name: 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyl-4-octanol
This seems valid, but let confirms other options before finalizing.

Option 2: 2,4-diethyl-5-methyl-4-heptanol
- Longest chain: 7 carbons (heptane)
- Hydroxyl group at carbon 4
- Ethyl groups at carbons 2 and 4
- Methyl group at carbon 5
- Full name: 2,4-diethyl-5-methyl-4-heptanol
This does not seem as reasonable since larger substituents are at lower priority carbons.

Option 3: 3,6-dimethyl-4-propyl-4-octanol
- Longest chain: 8 carbons (octane)
- Hydroxyl group at carbon 4
- Methyl groups at carbons 3 and 6
- Propyl group at carbon 4
- Full name: 3,6-dimethyl-4-propyl-4-octanol
This is valid, but not usually common naming in simplified IUPAC context.

Option 4: 6-methyl-4-(1-methylpropyl)-4-octanol
- Longest chain: 8 carbons (octane)
- Hydroxyl group at carbon 4
- Methyl group at carbon 6
- Butyl group (1-methylpropyl) at carbon 4
- Full name: 6-methyl-4-(1-methylpropyl)-4-octanol
This is intricate but correctly structured as well.

### Conclusion:
By considering the structured common notation and standard IUPAC rules, the option with minimized descriptive effort is preferable:
Thus, 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyl-4-octanol (Option 1) is the most precise according to options and structure rules.

So, the correct IUPAC name for the branched alcohol is 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyl-4-octanol.