Orgo Nomenclature Flashcards
What are the 5 steps to naming an organic compound?
- Identify the longest C chain with the highest-order functional group
- Number the chain
- Name the substituents with a prefix (the functional groups) (and if there are two of the same type simply add di- or tri-…)
- Assign a number to each of the substituents
- Order the substituents by alphabetical order (ignore prefixes that are numbers or hyphenated) + add name of the backbone chain with the suffix of the functional group of highest priority
How do you determine which C chain has the highest-order functional group?
The one with the most oxidized C = the one with more bonds to atoms that are not C and H
What is the formula for an alkane?
CnH(2n+2)
What are the names of the first 4 alkanes?
- methane
- ethane
- propane
- butane
How is the alcohol functional group named if it is not the highest priority group?
Hydroxy- prefix
What are alcohols with 2 -OH groups called? How are they indicated in the name of the compound?
Diols or glycols
Suffix -diol
What are the two types of diols?
- Geminal: OH groups on the same C
2. Vicinal: OH groups on adjacent Cs
What are the common names of alcohols?
Name of alkyl + “alcohol”
What is the IUPAC name of isopropyl alcohol?
2-propanol
How are aldehydes named?
Replace -e of alkane with suffix -al
What are the 3 aldehydes that are usually referred to by their common names?
- Formaldehyde (methanal)
- Acetaldehyde (ethanal)
- Propionaldehyde (propanal)
How are ketones named?
Replace -e of alkane by suffix -one
What ketone defies the traditional naming conventions?
Acetone (2-propanone)
How do you commonly name ketones?
List alkyl groups in alphabetical order + “ketone”
How is the aldehyde functional group named if it is not the highest priority group?
Prefix oxo-
How is the ketone functional group named if it is not the highest priority group?
Prefix oxo- or keto-
What is the highest functional group tested on the MCAT?
Carboxylic acids
How are caboxylic acids named?
Replace -e of alkane with -oic acid
What are the 3 carboxylic acids that are usually referred to by their common names?
- Formic acid
- Acetic acid
- Propionic acid
How are ester named?
- Alkyl name of alkoxy group (alkane name: replace -e and add -yl)
- Name of parent acid: replace -oic acid by suffix -oate
How are amides named?
- N - Alkyl name of alkoxy group (if none skip this part)
2. Name of parent acid: replace -oic acid by suffix -amide
How are anhydrides named? (2 ways)
- If formed by 2 same carboxylic acids: replace acid by anhydride
- If formed by 2 different carboxylic acids: name both acids + replace anhydride
What is the order of priority of functional groups?
- Carboxylic acids
- Anhydrides
- Esters
- Amides
- Aldehydes
- Ketones
- Alcohols
- Alkenes/Alkynes
- Alkanes
When do alkenes have priority over alkynes?
In cyclic compounds
