The longest unbranched chain containing the functional group is the parent molecule, or simply the longest unbranched chain for alkanes. Remember that, the longest chain can go round a bend.

Now, a team of chemists has found a way to add functional groups ... and the presence of directing groups, or chemists first need to oxidize the alcohol to an alkene before starting the synthesis.

The longest unbranched chain containing the functional group is the parent molecule, or simply the longest unbranched chain for alkanes. Remember that, the longest chain can go round a bend.