Naming Organic Compounds
Organic compounds are named using the IUPAC system, so each name describes exactly one structure.
1. Find the longest carbon chain (it must contain the functional group). This gives the stem: meth (1 C), eth (2), prop (3), but (4), pent (5), hex (6), hept (7), oct (8), non (9), dec (10).
2. Add the suffix for the main functional group: -ane for alkanes, -ene for alkenes, -ol for alcohols, -al for aldehydes, -one for ketones and -oic acid for carboxylic acids.
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More in Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Cyclic Compounds
- Types of Formulae
- Functional Groups
- Homologous Series
- Practice Question - 1
- Practice Question - 2
- Practice Question - 3
- Structural Isomerism
All 13 lessons in Introduction to Organic Chemistry · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics