Naming Alkanes

Question 1

What are the 5 steps for naming an alkane?

Answer 1

1. Find the longest carbon chain
2. Determine the length of the side chains
3. Name the position of the side chains or functional groups
4. Multiples of the same side chain
5. Collate the name alphabetically

Question 2

Find the longest carbon chain

Answer 2

Look for the longest unbranched chain of carbon atoms, this gives the stem of the name

Question 3

Determine the length of the side chains

Answer 3

• Methyl = CH3
• Ethyl =C2H5
• Propyl =C3H7

Question 4

Number the position of side chains and functional groups

Answer 4

Number the carbons to ensure the alkyl or functional group is attached to the lowest number possible

Question 5

Multiples of the same side chain

Answer 5

When there are two or more of the same group the prefixes are:
- di = 2
- tri = 3
- tetra = 4