Question

IUPAC name of m-cresol is :
a.) 3 - Methylphenol
b.) 3 - chlorophenol
c.) 3 - Methoxyphenol
d.) benzene-1,3-diol

Answer 1

Hint: The m-cresol is an organic compound which contains a benzene ring, a OH group and a methyl group. It has a methyl group substituted to meta position in the phenol ring. According to the IUPAC system, the OH group is given more priority than methyl group.

Complete step by step answer:
First, let us know about the cresol.
The cresols are also called hydroxytoluene or the methylphenols. These contain a benzene ring with one methyl and one phenol group substituted. There are three forms of cresols which are o-cresol, m-cresol and p-cresol. m- cresol is a colourless liquid and is viscous in nature.
In case of m-cresol, the methyl group and the hydroxyl group at 1st and 3rd position. The structure of m-cresol can be written as-

Now, if we see the IUPAC nomenclature then the OH group should be given 1st place because it has more priority and the methyl group should be at 3rd position i.e. at meta to OH group.
Thus, the IUPAC name is- 3-Methylphenol.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: m- Cresol has a molecular formula as - $C{H_3}{C_6}{H_4}(OH)$. It is a derivative of phenol. It is used as amylmetacresol and as a solvent for polymers. It is even used as preservatives in insulins.
m-cresol is found in temporal glands secretions during musth in African elephants. It is even constituent of tobacco smoke.