Final answer:
The correct IUPAC name for an organic compound involves selecting the longest carbon chain that includes the highest order functional group and then naming the substituents with their appropriate locants. For alcohols, the base name ends with '-ol'. Without the compound's structure, it is impossible to decisively choose between the two names provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of naming organic compounds in accordance with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature rules, it is indeed essential that the longest chain of carbon atoms containing the highest order functional group is selected as the base chain for naming.
When faced with two potential names for a compound, such as 3-(1-chloromethyl)-2-(1-methylethyl)-pentan-1-ol and 4-chloro-3-ethyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-butan-1-ol, the correct approach is to find the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the hydroxyl (OH) group, which is the highest priority functional group in these examples.
Since the functional group for alcohols is the OH group, the longest chain must include it. The name 'pentan-1-ol' indicates that the longest chain is five carbon atoms, and the OH group is on the first carbon atom. However, without seeing the compound's structure, it's not possible to confirm which name is correct.
Nevertheless, the principle of naming dictates that the longest carbon chain containing the central functional group should be used, which typically results in a name ending with the suffix '-ol' for alcohols. Substituent groups such as the chloro- and methyl groups should then be indicated with numbers showing their position on the base chain.