BRAINCAKENaming Alkanes
To name an alkane, first find the longest continuous carbon chain. This gives the stem, for example butane for four carbons. The longest chain may bend on the page.
Next, identify the alkyl side chains, such as methyl or ethyl, and number the main chain from the end that gives the side chains the lowest numbers.
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More in Alkanes
- General Formula
- Straight Chains
- Branched Chains
- Cyclic Alkanes
- Structural Isomers
- Physical Properties
- Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil
- Fracking
All 20 lessons in Alkanes · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics