Find the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms.
Select the root that corresposnds to the number of C atoms
in this chain.
Root Number of
C atoms
meth -
1
eth-
2
prop-
3
but-
4
pent-
5
hex-
6
hept-
7
oct-
8
non-
9
dec-
10
Suffix
- Naming the compound type.
For example, alkanes, add the suffix -ane to the chain root. See
the table that follows for the other functional group names.
If the chain forms a ring then the name is preceded by the
prefix, cyclo-
Prefix -naming the branches.
Each branch name consists of a subroot (number of carbons) and the ending
-yl
to
signify that it is not part of the main chain.
Branch names precede the chain name. When two or more branches are
present, name them in alphabetical orger.
To specify where the branch occurs along the chain, number the main-chain
C atoms consecutively starting at the end closest to the branch to achieve
the lowest number for the branches.
Precede each branch name with the number of the chain C to which the branch
is attached.
