Question

What is the IUPAC name of the following compound?

A. Benzenecarbonitrile
B. Benzene Cyanide
C. Phenyl Cyanide
D. Cyanophenyl

Answer 1

In the above question, it is asked about the IUPAC name of the compound. Since, the compound consists of a benzene ring and –CN group we have to look at its nomenclature to find its IUPAC name.

Complete step-by-step answer:

In chemistry, the IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry is a method of naming organic chemical compounds as recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry which is inshort named IUPAC.

When common substituents such as ${\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$, Cl and Br are added to the phenyl group it is simply named as (substituent group)benzene, like, nitrobenzene, chlorobenzene and bromobenzene respectively.

When two substituents are present on the benzene ring, ortho, para and meta words are used instead of numbers like 1,2 ; 1,4 and 1,3 respectively.

In the given figure, a benzene ring and a –CN group is present, so its chemical formula is ${{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}}{\text{CN}}$.

Hence, its systematic IUPAC name is benzenecarbonitrile, which is commonly known as cyanophenyl.

So, the correct option is option (A).

Note: Benzonitrile is the aromatic organic compound. It is a colourless liquid with a sweet bitter almond odour. It is mainly used as a precursor to the resin benzoguanamine.
Benzonitrile reacts with amines to form N-substituted benzamides after hydrolysis.
Benzonitrile forms a coordination complex with transition metals which are both soluble in organic solvents. The benzonitrile ligands can be easily displaced by stronger ligands, making benzonitrile complexes useful synthetic intermediates.