What is the IUPAC name of the organic compound commonly known as isopropyl alcohol, which is widely used as a rubbing alcohol and antiseptic solvent?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Isopropyl alcohol has the chemical structure where the hydroxyl functional group is attached to the second carbon atom of a three-carbon propane chain, giving it the systematic IUPAC designation propan-2-ol. Ethanol is a two-carbon primary alcohol, propan-1-ol has the hydroxyl group on the terminal carbon, and propanone is a three-carbon ketone commonly called acetone. Secondary alcohols like propan-2-ol are oxidized to form ketones upon treatment with acidified potassium dichromate.