1.7 CHAPTER 1. ORGANICMOLECULES
H C(1)
H
H
C(2)
CH 3
H
C(3) C(4)
CH 3
H
H
H
H
Step 2 : Identify the functionalgroup
The compound is an alkane and will have the suffix -ane.
Step 3 : Find the longest carbonchain
There are four carbonsin the longest chain. The prefix for this
compound is -but.
Step 4 : Number the carbons inthe carbon chain
If we start at the carbonon the left, carbon atoms are numbered
as shown in the diagramabove. A second way that the carbons
could be numbered is:
H C(1)
H
H
C(2)
CH 3
H
C(3) C
CH3(4)
H
H
H
H
Step 5 : Look for any branchedgroups, name them andgive their posi-
tion on the carbon chain
There are two methyl groups attached to the mainchain. The first
one is attached to the second carbon atom and the second methyl
group is attached to thethird carbon atom. Notice that in this
example it does not matter how you have chosen to number the
carbons in the main chain; the methyl groups are still attached to
the second and third carbons and so the namingof the compound
is not affected.
Step 6 : Combine the elements of the compound’s name into a single
word in the order of branched groups; prefix; name ending according to
the functional group.
The compound’s nameis 2,3-dimethyl-butane.
