What is the IUPAC of the following compound?
S)-2,2-Dimethyl-3-pentanol
R)-2,2-Dimethyl-3-pentanol
R)-4,4-Dimethyl-3-pentanol
S)-1-tert-Butyl-1-propanol

Question

What is the IUPAC of the following compound? 
S)-2,2-Dimethyl-3-pentanol 
R)-2,2-Dimethyl-3-pentanol 
R)-4,4-Dimethyl-3-pentanol 
S)-1-tert-Butyl-1-propanol

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound has two chiral centers (carbon atoms with four different groups attached), and the IUPAC naming convention requires us to name the stereoisomers according to their absolute configuration. The absolute configuration of the compound can be determined by assigning priorities to the substituents on each chiral center according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules. Using this method, we find that the compound is (R)-2,2-dimethyl-3-pentanol.

What Is the IUPAC of the Following Compound