2-Ethylpentanone vs 2-Ethylpentanal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nomenclature of a specific organic molecule, questioning whether it should be named 2-ethylpentanone or 2-ethylpentanal. The focus is on identifying the correct functional group and applying the rules of organic chemistry nomenclature.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies the presence of an aldehyde group, suggesting that the correct name is 2-ethylpentanal due to the -al ending associated with aldehydes.
  • Another participant confirms that 2-ethylpentanal is correct, emphasizing the importance of counting the longest chain starting from the aldehyde group.
  • A different viewpoint is presented regarding the chain selection process, stating that the chain with the highest precedence group should be chosen, which is typically the aldehyde in this case.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to determine which functional group has higher precedence when multiple groups are present.
  • One participant mentions a resource for functional group priorities, indicating that there is a list to refer to for this information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the molecule is an aldehyde and that 2-ethylpentanal is the appropriate name. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the precedence of functional groups when multiple are present, and the discussion does not reach a consensus on how to determine this precedence.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a list for functional group priorities, but the specific criteria for precedence are not detailed in the discussion, leaving some assumptions unresolved.

Lizzy
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Homework Statement


Is the name of this particular molecule 2-ethylpentanone or 2-ethylpentanal?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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Why the problem? What kind of functional group do you see?
 
I see a Aldehyde group which would be an -al ending...so I am going to conclude 2-ethylpentanal is the right answer here? Do you always count the longest chain possible starting at the Aldehyde group?
 
Yes, it is an aldehyde, so 2-ethylpentanal is the right answer.

Do you always count the longest chain possible starting at the Aldehyde group?

No. You have to choose the chain with the highest precedence group. When there is aldehyde only, it will have the highest precedence obviously.
 
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Thank you very much borek:) , but how do you determine which group (if there were multiple) takes higher precedence?
 
There is a list to remember. I don't deal with organic chemistry so I long forgot it, but it can't be difficult to google.
 

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