Introductory Organic Nomenclature Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes

Alkanes zC n H 2n+2 zAll single bonds zSaturated hydrocarbons zAliphatic or cyclic (note: general formula changes when in ring form)

Alkenes zC n H 2n zOne double bond zunsaturated zAliphatic or cyclic

Alkynes zC n H 2n-2 zOne triple bond zunsaturated zAliphatic or cyclic

Naming the chains MethOne carbon EthTwo carbons PropThree carbons ButFour carbons PentFive carbons HexSix carbons HeptSeven carbons OctEight carbons NonNine carbons DecTen carbons PREFIXES

What is this? How about this one?about Number three? The same thing?

What if this happens?

SIDE CHAINS zOne carbon ---- methyl zTwo carbons ---- ethyl zThree carbons---- propyl zFour carbons ---- butyl zHalogens ---- chloro, etc….

SPECIAL RULES ABOUT ALKENES AND ALKYNES zThe multiple bond gets priority over side chains zPut the multiple bond in the lowest possible position