The Dude Explains IUPAC Nomenclature
Me: Hey dude, we are starting to learn IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes. Do you have any advice for my class?
Dude: I sure do man. According to IUPAC, the first thing you need to do is name the longest chain of carbon atoms, that is called the parent chain. Use that parent chain name then add -a n e, as in ane. Whoa! The alkane, parent chain, ends in -ane, unintentional rhyme there man! After you can name the parent chain ending in -ane, identify all the groups on the parent chain, number them all so the group closest to the end gets the lower number, then write them in alphabetical order and end the whole thing with the parent chain name followed by -ane. There are some details I left out, but those are on your handout. Whoa, I rhymed again man. So remember: to name alkanes, number the groups, then list them alphabetically, followed by the parent chain, ending in -ane,. That will get you started. Peace out from here.
