Question

IUPAC name of urea is (1) Diamino ketone (2) I-amino ethanamide (3) 1 -amino methanamide (4) amino acetamide

Short answer

1-amino methanamide

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Functional Groups

First, identify the functional groups present in urea. Urea has two amino groups (-NH2) and one carbonyl group (C=O).

Count the Carbon Atoms

Next, count the number of carbon atoms in the molecule of urea. Urea has only one carbon atom.

Determine the Parent Name

Since the compound has only one carbon atom and contains an amide group (C=O attached to -NH2), the parent name is derived from 'methanamide'.

Assign Numbering to Substituents

The two amino groups should be specified with appropriate numbering to indicate their attachment to the carbonyl carbon atom. Here, it will be position 1.

Formulate the IUPAC Name

Combine the information to form the IUPAC name. Since both amino groups are directly attached to the single carbon atom, the correct name is 1-amino methanamide.

Key concepts

Functional Groups in Chemistry

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties. They determine how the molecule behaves in chemical reactions. In the molecule urea, the functional groups present are the amino group (-NH2) and the carbonyl group (C=O). The amino group consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms, whereas the carbonyl group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Identifying these groups helps in understanding the molecule's reactivity and is crucial for naming it correctly in IUPAC nomenclature.

Counting Carbon Atoms

Counting carbon atoms is an essential step in naming organic compounds using the IUPAC system. Each carbon atom in a molecule may influence the root name of the compound. Urea has only one carbon atom, making it a simple molecule to name. Single carbon atom compounds use the 'meth' prefix in their names. Recognizing the number of carbon atoms helps in determining the correct parent name for the compound, which is foundational for accurate IUPAC naming.

Amide Chemistry

Amide chemistry revolves around compounds that contain the functional group characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) connected to a nitrogen atom (N). For urea, which has the structure H2N-CO-NH2, this group is central to its chemical properties and naming. Amides are typically formed through the reaction of an acid with an amine. Understanding amide structures aids in predicting behavior in chemical reactions and in proper identification through IUPAC nomenclature. Urea, specifically, is a diamide because it contains two amino groups (NH2) attached to the carbon in the amide group.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is the standardized system for naming chemical compounds. It involves identifying functional groups, counting carbon atoms, determining parent names, and assigning numbers to substituents. For urea:

• We identify two amino groups and one carbonyl group.
• Count one carbon atom, leading to the root 'methanamide'.
• Number the amino groups at position 1 of the carbon atom.

Combining all these elements, the IUPAC name for urea is formulated as 1-amino methanamide, accurately describing its structure according to the rules.