Aldehyde Nomenclature: Methanal
Aldehyde nomenclature follows a standardized system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
Aldehyde nomenclature follows a standardized system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
The aldehyde methanal, commonly known as formaldehyde, is the simplest member of the aldehyde family. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (H-C=O).
According to IUPAC naming rules, the parent chain for an aldehyde is derived from the longest continuous carbon chain containing the aldehyde group. In the case of methanal, the parent chain contains only one carbon atom.
To name methanal, we use the prefix “meth-” to indicate the presence of one carbon atom, and the suffix “-al” to signify that it is an aldehyde. Therefore, the IUPAC name for methanal is “methanal”.
However, it is essential to note that common names are also widely used for some aldehydes. Methanal is one such example, as it is commonly known as formaldehyde. The common name comes from its use as a preservative and embalming agent in the form of a solution called “formalin”.
In summary, the IUPAC name for the aldehyde with the molecular formula HCHO is “methanal”, while its common name is “formaldehyde”.
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