Introductory Organic Nomenclature Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes
Alkanes CnH2n+2 All single bonds Saturated hydrocarbons Aliphatic or cyclic (note: general formula changes when in ring form)
Alkenes CnH2n One double bond unsaturated Aliphatic or cyclic
Alkynes CnH2n-2 One triple bond unsaturated Aliphatic or cyclic
Naming the chains PREFIXES Meth One carbon Eth Two carbons Prop Three carbons But Four carbons Pent Five carbons Hex Six carbons Hept Seven carbons Oct Eight carbons Non Nine carbons Dec Ten carbons
What is this? How about this one? Number three? The same thing?
What if this happens?
SIDE CHAINS One carbon ---- methyl Two carbons ---- ethyl Three carbons ---- propyl Four carbons ---- butyl Halogens ---- chloro, etc….
SPECIAL RULES ABOUT ALKENES AND ALKYNES The multiple bond gets priority over side chains Put the multiple bond in the lowest possible position