What is the common name for the following compound?
A) 3-fluorobutanoic acid
B) 2-fluorobutanoic acid
C) β-fluorobutyric acid
D) α-fluorobutyric acid
E) none of these

Question

What is the common name for the following compound? 
A) 3-fluorobutanoic acid 
B) 2-fluorobutanoic acid 
C) β-fluorobutyric acid 
D) α-fluorobutyric acid 
E) none of these

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The common name for β-fluorobutyric acid is 3-fluorobutanoic acid. The β indicates that the fluorine atom is attached to the second carbon atom from the carboxylic acid group, making the correct choice (C). Choice A is incorrect because the fluorine is attached to the third carbon atom. Choice B is incorrect because the fluorine is attached to the second carbon atom, but it is not in the β position. Choice D is incorrect because the α position refers to the carbon atom attached to the carboxylic acid group.

What Is the Common Name for the Following Compound