Question

What is the structure of Cyclohexyl methanol?

• A. \(C_{6}H_{5}-CH_{2}OH\) (Benzyl alcohol)
• B. \(C_{6}H_{11}-CH_{2}OH\) (Cyclohexyl methanol)
• C. \(C_{6}H_{11}-OH\) (Cyclohexanol)
• D. \(CH_{3}-C_{6}H_{10}-OH\) (Methyl cyclohexanol)

Hint:

Do not confuse these compounds: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} C_6H_5CH_2OH &\rightarrow \text{Benzyl alcohol}\\ C_6H_{11}CH_2OH &\rightarrow \text{Cyclohexyl methanol}\\ C_6H_{11}OH &\rightarrow \text{Cyclohexanol} \end{aligned} } \] The suffix "methanol" indicates that the \(-CH_2OH\) group lies outside the ring.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: In IUPAC nomenclature, the name "cyclohexyl methanol" indicates that a cyclohexyl group is attached to a methanol group. A cyclohexyl group is obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from cyclohexane. Its formula is \[ \boxed{C_6H_{11}-} \] The methanol group is \[ \boxed{-CH_2OH.} \] Combining both gives \[ \boxed{C_6H_{11}-CH_2OH.} \]

Step 1: Identify the cyclohexyl group.
Cyclohexane has the formula \[ C_6H_{12}. \] After removing one hydrogen atom, \[ C_6H_{11}-, \] which is called the cyclohexyl group.

Step 2: Attach the methanol group.
Methanol contributes the group \[ -CH_2OH. \] Thus, \[ C_6H_{11} + CH_2OH = C_6H_{11}-CH_2OH. \]

Step 3: Compare the given options.
Option (A): \[ C_6H_5CH_2OH \] is benzyl alcohol. Option (B): \[ C_6H_{11}CH_2OH \] is cyclohexyl methanol. Option (C): \[ C_6H_{11}OH \] is cyclohexanol. Option (D): represents methyl cyclohexanol. Hence, \[ \boxed{\textbf{Option (B)}} \] is the correct answer.