[danago]

A simple example: 1-propanol.

That is exactly how my textbook would name propyl alcohol, however i have seen some other sources using the name propan-1-ol.

Is it common to have the number of the functional group immediately after the parent alkyl group name as in the latter case? Is there a general preference of one method over the other?

Thanks in advance

[azmanam]

IUPAC would probably say the 'most correct' way to name that alcohol is propan-1-ol.  Nobody would be confused, however, if you wrote 1-propanol.

Using propan-1-ol removes all ambiguity over the positions of substituents in a given compound.  For a simple, monofunctionalized molecule like propanol, whether you put the 1 at the beginning or in the middle is ultimately inconsequential.  When you start adding in other functionality, like double bonds or chlorides or whatever, the locant becomes increasingly important.  Therefore, it removes ambiguity to put the locant as close to the substituent as possible. 

You should check with your individual prof, but in my book 1-propanol and propan-1-ol are synonymous, identical, and interchangeable, even if the latter is the most technically correct.

[danago]

IUPAC would probably say the 'most correct' way to name that alcohol is propan-1-ol.  Nobody would be confused, however, if you wrote 1-propanol.

Using propan-1-ol removes all ambiguity over the positions of substituents in a given compound.  For a simple, monofunctionalized molecule like propanol, whether you put the 1 at the beginning or in the middle is ultimately inconsequential.  When you start adding in other functionality, like double bonds or chlorides or whatever, the locant becomes increasingly important.  Therefore, it removes ambiguity to put the locant as close to the substituent as possible. 

You should check with your individual prof, but in my book 1-propanol and propan-1-ol are synonymous, identical, and interchangeable, even if the latter is the most technically correct.

Thanks for the fast reply. Answers my question perfectly