Nomenclature

Last lesson covered a lot of material. Now that you know the functional groups, lets add them into the bigger picture and figure out how to name all of these structures. If you want a review of how to name simple hydrocarbons, watch this video. Watch this video to get an introduction to more complex structures with functional groups and how to name them.

So when naming a compound;

-Determine the primary functional group, and start on that end

-Using the 'junction rule', find the longest carbon chain and number each carbon

-Start with the word for the length of the carbon chain (methyl, butyl, hex)

-Add appropriate ending based on single/double/triple bonds (-ane, -ene, -yne)

-Indicate position of functional groups and add appropriate suffix

-Finally, put it all together and condense the name

There is a lot to remember when naming these compounds. The best way to learn with these is to do. Here are several practice problems. I encourage you to get comfortable with the naming process before you move on. If you are having trouble with a particular step, visit this website for a further breakdown.

Think you know how to name? Take the quiz to find out.

Use this interactive resource to translate between structure names and drawings for additional practice.