Textbook Question
Draw all the isomers that have molecular formula C5H11Br. (Hint: There are eight.)
b. Give a common name for each isomer that has a common name.
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Naming Alkyl Halides
6:04 minutesProblem 20b
Textbook Question
Give two names for each of the following alkyl halides and indicate whether each is primary, secondary, or tertiary:
b. 
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure of alkyl halides. Alkyl halides are organic compounds containing a halogen atom (F, Cl, Br, or I) attached to an alkyl group. The classification into primary, secondary, or tertiary depends on the number of carbon atoms directly attached to the carbon bonded to the halogen.
Step 2: Analyze the given structure (b). Identify the halogen atom and the carbon it is attached to. Count the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to this carbon to determine if the alkyl halide is primary (1 carbon), secondary (2 carbons), or tertiary (3 carbons).
Step 3: Assign the IUPAC name. Locate the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the carbon bonded to the halogen. Number the chain to give the halogen the lowest possible number. Use the appropriate prefix for the halogen (e.g., fluoro-, chloro-, bromo-, iodo-) and combine it with the name of the parent chain.
Step 4: Assign the common name. For common naming, identify the alkyl group attached to the halogen and name it as an alkyl halide (e.g., methyl chloride, ethyl bromide).
Step 5: Verify the classification and names. Double-check the structure to ensure the classification (primary, secondary, tertiary) and names (IUPAC and common) are correct. This ensures accuracy in understanding and naming the compound.
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Video duration:
6mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Alkyl Halides
Alkyl halides are organic compounds derived from alkanes that contain one or more halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I) attached to a carbon atom. They are classified based on the degree of substitution of the carbon atom bonded to the halogen: primary (1°) if the carbon is attached to one other carbon, secondary (2°) if attached to two, and tertiary (3°) if attached to three. Understanding these classifications is essential for predicting reactivity and mechanisms in organic reactions.
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Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Classification
The classification of alkyl halides as primary, secondary, or tertiary is based on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the carbon that carries the halogen. A primary alkyl halide has the halogen attached to a carbon that is connected to only one other carbon, a secondary has two, and a tertiary has three. This classification affects the compound's reactivity and the types of reactions it can undergo, such as nucleophilic substitution or elimination.
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Nomenclature of Organic Compounds
Nomenclature in organic chemistry refers to the systematic naming of chemical compounds based on established rules, such as those set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). For alkyl halides, the name typically includes the alkyl group followed by the halogen, with appropriate prefixes to indicate the number of halogen atoms. Mastery of nomenclature is crucial for clear communication and understanding of chemical structures and their properties.
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