Question

IUPAC name of Catechol is-

• A. Benzene, 1,2-diol
• B. Benzene-1,3-diol
• C. Benzene -1,4-diol
• D. 3-Hydroxyphenol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question requires us to identify the correct IUPAC name of Catechol from the given options.

Understanding Catechol:

Catechol is an aromatic compound with the chemical formula \text{C}_6\text{H}_4(\text{OH})_2. It is a dihydroxybenzene, specifically having two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a benzene ring. The hydroxyl groups are positioned on adjacent carbon atoms, meaning they are in the ortho position.

IUPAC Naming Rules:

• The base structure is a benzene ring, so the name includes "benzene."
• The presence of two hydroxyl groups (-OH) is indicated by the suffix "diol."
• The position of the hydroxyl groups is crucial for the name and should be specified. Since they are on adjacent carbons, their positions are 1 and 2.

Analysis of Options:

• Benzene, 1,2-diol: This option correctly identifies the positions of the hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring as 1 and 2, which is characteristic of Catechol.
• Benzene-1,3-diol: This implies the hydroxyl groups are at positions 1 and 3, corresponding to resorcinol, not catechol.
• Benzene-1,4-diol: This suggests the groups are at positions 1 and 4, which describes hydroquinone.
• 3-Hydroxyphenol: This naming indicates a single hydroxyl group and is not applicable for Catechol, which has two.

Conclusion:

The correct IUPAC name for Catechol is "Benzene, 1,2-diol."