Question:

What is the IUPAC name for Glyceraldehyde?

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When aldehyde and hydroxyl groups are present together, the aldehyde group gets priority and forms the suffix -al.
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
  • 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane
  • 2,3-dihydroxypropanal
  • 1,3-dihydroxypropanone
  • 2-hydroxypropanal
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Glyceraldehyde is a simple aldose sugar belonging to the class of monosaccharides. It contains both an aldehyde group and hydroxyl groups. Its molecular formula is: \[ C_3H_6O_3 \] The structural formula can be written as: \[ CHO - CHOH - CH_2OH \] In IUPAC nomenclature, the aldehyde group has the highest priority and must be assigned carbon number 1.

Step 1:
Identify the longest carbon chain.
The molecule contains three carbon atoms, so the parent chain is propane.

Step 2:
Identify the functional groups.
• Aldehyde group \((-CHO)\) at carbon 1
• Hydroxyl groups \((-OH)\) at carbons 2 and 3

Step 3:
Construct the name.
• Two hydroxyl groups $\rightarrow$ dihydroxy
• Aldehyde functional group $\rightarrow$ suffix -al Thus, the IUPAC name becomes: \[ \text{2,3-dihydroxypropanal} \]
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