What is the difference between the names "1-propanol" and "propan-1-ol?"

Propan-1-ol is the preferred name, but there is no difference.

1-propanol was the correct name under the "old" IUPAC system.

However, as of right now, IUPAC advises that all locants—numbers that identify a functional group or substitute on the chain—be as near to the group they identify as feasible.

The "1" should therefore appear right before the "ol".

As a result, the naming is more standardized.

For instance, the numbers appear right before the groups they locate in 3-ethyl-2-methylhexan-1-ol.

It takes some thought to realize that the "1" in 3-ethyl-2-methyl-1-hexanol corresponds to the "ol".

1. Although propanol is acceptable, propan-1-ol is the recommended name.

There is no difference between the names "1-propanol" and "propan-1-ol." They both refer to the same compound, which is a type of alcohol with three carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon atom.