Question

What is the IUPAC name of following compound?

• A. 1-Methoxy - 2,2 - dimethylcyclobutane
• B. 1- Methoxy - 4, 4-dimethylcyclobutane

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

1-Methoxy-2,2-dimethylcyclobutane

Answer 2

For naming cyclobutane derivatives, the substituents must get the lowest possible numbering. Starting from the methoxy group as carbon 1, numbering in one direction places the two methyl groups at carbon 2, giving locants 1 and 2,2, which is lower than if they were at carbon 4 (1 and 4,4). Hence, the correct IUPAC name is 1-Methoxy-2,2-dimethylcyclobutane.