What is the IUPAC name for the compound with the formula CH3OH?

The compound with the formula CH3OH is most commonly known as methanol. The naming is derived from the structure of the molecule itself. In this case, the "CH3" portion represents a methyl group. The “OH” indicates the presence of a hydroxyl group, which is characteristic of alcohols.

In IUPAC nomenclature, the name assigned to a compound often reflects the longest carbon chain present in the molecule alongside the functional groups. Methanol consists of just one carbon atom (the methyl group) connected to a hydroxyl group, fitting the definition of a primary alcohol.

The nomenclature rules prioritize the simplest alcohols with the highest precedence given to those with fewer carbons, confirming that the correct name for CH3OH is indeed methanol. Other options like ethanol, propanol, and butanol correspond to alcohols with longer carbon chains, specifically two, three, and four carbon atoms, respectively.