The exact IUPAC name for dimethyl ketone is propanone.
Dimethyl ketone is a common organic compound also widely known by its trivial name, acetone. Its systematic IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name, propanone, provides a clear and unambiguous way to identify the molecule based on its chemical structure.
Understanding Dimethyl Ketone (Acetone)
Dimethyl ketone refers to the simplest ketone, characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two methyl (CH₃) groups. Its chemical formula is CH₃COCH₃.
- Common Name: Acetone
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₆O
- Structure: A central carbonyl carbon (C=O) is flanked by two methyl groups.
This compound is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that is miscible with water, ethanol, and ether. It is widely used as a solvent in laboratories and industries, notably as a component of nail polish remover and paint thinners.
IUPAC Naming of Ketones
The IUPAC system provides a standardized way to name chemical compounds, ensuring clarity and consistency worldwide. For ketones, the naming convention typically involves:
- Identify the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the carbonyl group.
- Number the carbon chain to give the carbonyl carbon the lowest possible number.
- Replace the '-e' ending of the corresponding alkane with '-one'.
- Indicate the position of the carbonyl group with a number if necessary (for chains longer than three carbons).
Deriving "Propanone" from Dimethyl Ketone
Let's apply these rules to dimethyl ketone (CH₃COCH₃):
- Longest Carbon Chain: The molecule has three carbon atoms in a continuous chain (C-C-C), with the middle carbon being part of the carbonyl group.
- Corresponding Alkane: A three-carbon alkane is propane.
- Ketone Suffix: Replacing the '-e' of propane with '-one' gives propanone.
- Position of Carbonyl: Since it's a three-carbon chain, the carbonyl group can only be at the second carbon (if numbered from either end, 1-2-3 or 3-2-1). Therefore, a position number is not strictly necessary for propanone as there's only one possible isomer (2-propanone is redundant).
| Feature | Dimethyl Ketone (Acetone) | IUPAC Name (Propanone) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CH₃COCH₃ | CH₃COCH₃ |
| Number of Carbons | 3 | 3 |
| Functional Group | Ketone | Ketone |
| Common Application | Nail polish remover, solvent | N/A (systematic name) |
For further details on IUPAC nomenclature, resources like the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and reputable chemical databases such as PubChem provide comprehensive information.
