Question

Carvacrol is a naturally occurring substance isolated from oregano,

thyme, and marjoram. What is its IUPAC name?

Short answer

The IUPAC name of carvacrol is 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol.

Step-by-step solution

Derivatives of phenol

The derivatives of phenol are named hydroxyl benzene if the ring comprises another substituent also, the ring is numbered from the carbon comprising the

-OH in a way that the lowest number is provided to the carbon with the substituent.

IUPAC name of carvacrol

The given compound is a derivative of phenol. Numbering the carbon from the hydroxyl group, there is a methyl group on the second position and an isopropyl group on the fifth position. Hence, the IUPAC name of the compound is 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol.