Why Is It Called o-Methylethylbenzene Instead of o-Ethylmethylbenzene?

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SUMMARY

The compound known as o-methylethylbenzene is named according to IUPAC nomenclature rules, which prioritize the substituents' alphabetical order when determining the name. In this case, "methyl" precedes "ethyl" in the name due to the alphabetical arrangement of the substituents. While some practitioners may informally use alternative names like o-ethylmethylbenzene, the official nomenclature adheres strictly to IUPAC guidelines. The discussion highlights the importance of following these conventions for clarity in chemical communication.

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http://chemistry.boisestate.edu/people/richardbanks/organic/nomenclature/aromatic3.gif is called o-methylethylbenzene, why isn't it instead called o-ethylmethylbenzene? I thought it was alphabetical
 
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IUPAC says it's alphabetical. In my experience both tend to be fine, people don't stick to that rule so closely.
o-ethyltoluene would work too.
 

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