What are the steps to name a compound with multiple functional groups?

To name a compound with multiple functional groups, you identify the parent chain, locate and name the functional groups, and apply IUPAC rules.

In more detail, the first step in naming a compound with multiple functional groups is to identify the longest carbon chain in the compound. This is known as the parent chain. The parent chain is named based on the number of carbon atoms it contains, using the prefixes meth-, eth-, prop-, but-, pent-, hex-, hept-, oct-, non-, dec-, etc.

Next, you need to locate and name the functional groups. Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. The same functional group will undergo the same or similar reactions in every molecule it is part of. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (=O), carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH2), and others.

Each functional group has a specific naming convention. For example, an alcohol has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and is named with the suffix -ol. A carboxylic acid has a carboxyl group (-COOH) and is named with the suffix -oic acid. If a molecule contains more than one functional group, the functional group with the highest priority (according to IUPAC rules) is chosen as the principal functional group and it is indicated by a suffix. The other functional groups are named as substituents and are indicated by prefixes.

The IUPAC rules also dictate the numbering of the carbon atoms in the parent chain. The carbon atoms are numbered in such a way that the functional groups get the lowest possible numbers.

Finally, the name of the compound is written as a single word, with the substituents and their positions indicated by prefixes and numbers, the parent chain, and the principal functional group indicated by a suffix. The parts of the name are separated by hyphens.

For example, the compound CH3CH2COOH is named propanoic acid. The parent chain is propane, the functional group is a carboxyl group, and the position of the carboxyl group is indicated by the suffix -oic acid.