Problem 30 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Cumene is the starting material for the industrial production of acetone and phenol. The structure of cumene is Give the systematic name for cumene.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The systematic IUPAC name for cumene is 2-methylhexane.

Step 1: Identify the main carbon chain

Find the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. In cumene, the longest chain has 6 carbon atoms.

Step 2: Identify the side chain(s)

In this case, there is only one side chain, which is a methyl group (CH₃) attached to the main carbon chain.

Step 3: Number the carbon atoms in the main chain

Number the carbon atoms in the main chain, starting from the end closest to the side chain. In this case, numbering from right to left is preferred, and the methyl group is attached to the second carbon atom.

Step 4: Name the side chain(s)

Based on its position and the number of carbon atoms, name the side chain. The methyl group at the second position is called "2-methyl."

Step 5: Name the main chain

Name the main carbon chain according to its length and the presence of functional groups. Cumene has no functional groups in the main chain, so it is simply named as an alkane. A six-carbon alkane is called "hexane."

Step 6: Combine the names of the side chain(s) and main chain

Combine the names of the side chain(s) and main chain together. In this case, we have "2-methylhexane" as the systematic IUPAC name for cumene.