The Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry

Alkanes 1. Determine the longest continuous chain of carbons. The length of this chain determines the base name (see names below). 2. Any branched groups are named as an alkyl group. The alkyl group uses the same base name, but changes the ending to -yl (see names below). A few alkyls have special names**. 3. The complete name of the branched group(s) requires a number position corresponding to the carbon on the longest continuous chain identified in #1. The lowest combination of numbers is used when determining which end of the chain to begin the numbering. 4. When there are multiple branched groups of the same type, the Greek prefixes of di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, etc. are used in front of the alkyl name.