Figure 5.1. IUPAC Names of AlcoholsAlternatively, the common naming practice is to name the alkyl group as a derivative, followed by
alcohol, as shown in Figure 5.2.
Figure 5.2. Common Names of AlcoholsWhen the alcohol is not the highest-priority group, it is named as a substituent, with the prefix
hydroxy–.
Finally, we will also see that hydroxyl groups can be attached to aromatic rings, as in Figure 5.3.
These compounds are called phenols. The hydroxyl hydrogens of phenols are particularly acidic due
to resonance within the phenol ring. When benzene rings contain two substituents, their relative
positions must be indicated. Two groups on adjacent carbons are called ortho–, or simply o–. Two
groups separated by a carbon are called meta–, or m–. Two groups on opposite sides of the ring are
called para–, or p–.
Figure 5.3. Phenols: Aromatic Alcohols