What is the IUPAC name for a compound with both a hydroxyl and a carbonyl group?

The correct answer reflects the fact that the naming of organic compounds can depend significantly on the structure and functional groups present. In the context of a compound containing both a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carbonyl group (C=O), its nomenclature hinges on the positioning of the carbonyl group within the molecule.

If the carbonyl group is located at the terminal end of the carbon chain, the compound is classified as an aldehyde. Conversely, if the carbonyl group is found within the carbon chain, it is identified as a ketone. The presence of the hydroxyl group, which signifies that the compound is also an alcohol, adds complexity to the naming but does not change this fundamental rule about the carbonyl's position.

Thus, since the classification can vary based on where the carbonyl group is found, it is accurate to say that this compound can be named as either a ketone or an aldehyde, depending on the structural layout of the molecule.