what is the proper name for (CH3)2CHCH(OH)CH3?

1 answer

Not exactly sure what you mean by 'proper name'.

This is a hexane (longest C chain)

There is an OH at C-3 and a methyl group at C-1, counting from the left as drawn above. [counting from the right gives a higher number].

Hence it is

1-methyl-3-hexanol, or
1-methyl-hexan-3-ol

The absolute configuration of C-3 is not stated, so

(+/-)-1-methyl-3-hexanol.

My question above 'Not exactly sure what you mean by 'proper name'?' is because there is more than one system for naming compounds.