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Naming Organic Compounds

Edexcel AS-level ChemistryIntroduction to Organic ChemistryLesson 7 of 13

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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