Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Nitriles

Organic Chemistry

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Nitriles

Previous problemNext problem

2:20 minutes

Problem 48d

Textbook Question

Draw a structure for each of the following:
d. propanenitrile

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the name 'propanenitrile'. The prefix 'propane' indicates a three-carbon chain, and the suffix 'nitrile' indicates the presence of a cyano group (-C≡N) attached to the chain.

Step 2: Begin by drawing a straight chain of three carbon atoms. Label them as C1, C2, and C3 for clarity.

Step 3: Attach the nitrile group (-C≡N) to the first carbon atom (C1). This is because the nitrile group is typically placed at the end of the chain unless specified otherwise.

Step 4: Complete the structure by adding hydrogen atoms to the remaining carbon atoms (C2 and C3) to satisfy the valency of carbon (which is 4). Ensure that each carbon atom has the correct number of bonds.

Step 5: Verify the structure to ensure it matches the molecular formula C3H5N, which corresponds to propanenitrile. Double-check the placement of the nitrile group and the hydrogens.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nitriles

Nitriles are organic compounds that contain a cyano group (-C≡N), which consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. They are derived from carboxylic acids by replacing the -OH group with a -CN group. Nitriles are important in organic synthesis and can be converted into various functional groups, including amines and carboxylic acids.

Aliphatic Compounds

Aliphatic compounds are organic molecules that consist of carbon and hydrogen arranged in straight or branched chains, or in non-aromatic rings. Propanenitrile, specifically, is an aliphatic nitrile, meaning it has a linear structure with a cyano group attached to a three-carbon chain. Understanding the structure of aliphatic compounds is essential for drawing and interpreting their chemical structures.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds. It provides rules for naming compounds based on their structure, functional groups, and the longest carbon chain. For propanenitrile, the name indicates a three-carbon chain (propane) with a nitrile functional group, which is crucial for accurately representing its structure in chemical drawings.

Watch next

Master Nitrile Nomenclature with a bite sized video explanation from Johnny

Start learning