IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds
IUPAC names are built from the longest chain containing the principal functional group, numbered to give that group the lowest locant.
What is IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds?
IUPAC names are built from the longest chain containing the principal functional group, numbered to give that group the lowest locant.
Key formula / rule: Select the longest chain containing the principal functional group.
Key points
- Derive the IUPAC name of a given organic structure.
- Identify the principal functional group in a polyfunctional molecule.
Common exam trap
Choosing the longest chain without checking it contains the functional group.
Definitions
- Term
IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds
- Meaning
IUPAC names are built from the longest chain containing the principal functional group, numbered to give that group the lowest locant.
- Term
IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds — explanation
- Meaning
A systematic name is a complete structural instruction, so naming errors are structural errors. Priority order of functional groups decides both the suffix and the numbering direction.
Learning objectives
Derive the IUPAC name of a given organic structure.
Identify the principal functional group in a polyfunctional molecule.
Formulae
- Key point
Select the longest chain containing the principal functional group.
- Key point
Number to give the principal functional group the lowest locant.
- Key point
Substituents are cited alphabetically regardless of locant.
Common mistakes
Choosing the longest chain without checking it contains the functional group.
Numbering from the end that gives a substituent, not the functional group, the lower locant.
Keywords
IUPAC
Nomenclature
Organic
Compounds
Practice preview
Determine the IUPAC name for the compound (CH3)2CH-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3.…
hard
Identify the correct IUPAC name for CH3CH2CH2OH.…
easy
What is the IUPAC name for the compound CH3-CO-CH2-CH2-OH?…
medium