Question

What is the systematic name of the compound $C{H_2}CH(OH)C{H_2}CHO$ ?

Answer 1

Each compound has a name. Ideally, this name should indicate the composition of the compound and perhaps something of its properties. Such names are called systematic names and are based on a set of rules drawn up by IUPAC. Although all compounds have systematic names, many also have trivial, or common, names.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
A rational nomenclature system should do at least two things. First, it should indicate how the carbon atoms of a given compound are bonded together in a characteristic lattice of chains and rings. Second, it should identify and locate any functional groups present in the compound.
We must follow the following set of rules to name the compound:
Find and name the longest continuous carbon chain.
Identify and name groups attached to this chain.
Number the chain consecutively, starting at the end nearest a substituent group.
Designate the location of each substituent group by an appropriate number and name.
Assemble the name, listing groups in alphabetical order using the full name.
The prefixes di, tri, tetra etc., used to designate several groups of the same kind, are not considered when alphabetizing.
The compound has a total of 4 carbon atoms, with an aldehyde group and a hydroxyl substituent to $C - 3$ . So, the systematic name of the compound is $3 -$ hydroxybutanal.

Note:
$3 -$ hydroxybutanal is widely known as aldol. Aldol' is an abbreviation of aldehyde and alcohol. When the enolate of an aldehyde or a ketone reacts at the $\alpha -$ carbon with the carbonyl of another molecule under basic or acidic conditions to obtain $\beta -$ hydroxy aldehyde or ketone, this reaction is called Aldol Reaction.