What is the IUPAC name for CH3COCH3?

The compound CH3COCH3 is an example of a ketone. Its structure consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) flanked by two methyl groups (CH3). The simplest ketone, known as acetone or propan-2-one, has the formula C3H6O and is specifically named based on the presence of the carbonyl group located at the second carbon in a three-carbon chain.

The name "acetone" is widely recognized and accepted as the common name for this compound. When referring to the IUPAC nomenclature, it can also be named propan-2-one, highlighting the ketone functional group and its position within the carbon skeleton. However, in many contexts, "acetone" is the preferred term, especially in commercial and common usage.

While butan-2-one could describe a related structure, the term specifically refers to a four-carbon ketone, which does not apply here. Ethanal, a two-carbon aldehyde, and butanoic acid, a four-carbon carboxylic acid, are completely different functional groups that do not match the given structure either. Therefore, acetone accurately fits the molecular formula CH3COCH3 and represents the correct IUPAC