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

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

IUPAC Naming

Organic Chemistry

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

IUPAC Naming

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 15j

Textbook Question

Name the following alkanes using the IUPAC system of nomenclature. [Each molecule exemplifies one of the nomenclature rules in Tables 3.7 and 3.8.]
(j) rule 5

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. This will serve as the parent chain. Count the number of carbons in this chain to determine the base name of the alkane.

Step 2: Number the carbons in the parent chain starting from the end closest to the first substituent group. This ensures the substituents receive the lowest possible numbers.

Step 3: Identify and name all substituent groups attached to the parent chain. Use prefixes such as methyl, ethyl, etc., based on the number of carbons in each substituent.

Step 4: Assign a number to each substituent based on its position on the parent chain. If there are multiple substituents of the same type, use prefixes like di-, tri-, etc., to indicate their quantity.

Step 5: Combine the names of the substituents with the parent chain name, arranging substituents alphabetically and separating numbers from names with hyphens. Ensure the name follows IUPAC rules for nomenclature.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

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

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic method for naming organic compounds. It involves identifying the longest carbon chain, determining the functional groups, and applying specific rules to assign a unique name that reflects the structure of the molecule. Understanding these rules is essential for accurately naming alkanes and other organic compounds.

Longest Carbon Chain

In organic chemistry, the longest carbon chain is the continuous chain of carbon atoms that forms the backbone of the molecule. When naming alkanes, identifying this chain is crucial as it determines the base name of the compound. The longest chain should include the maximum number of carbon atoms, and branches or substituents are named based on their position relative to this chain.

Substituents and Their Position

Substituents are groups of atoms that replace hydrogen atoms in the alkane structure. When naming a compound, it is important to identify these substituents and their positions on the longest carbon chain. The position is indicated by numbering the carbon atoms in the chain, ensuring that the substituents receive the lowest possible numbers, which is a key rule in IUPAC nomenclature.

Watch next

Master The different parts of an IUPAC name with a bite sized video explanation from Johnny

Start learning