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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Alkanes

Nomenclature Formula 3D structure
Functional group suffix = -ane

Substituent name = alkyl

Structural unit : alkanes contain only C-C and C-H bonds.

Note: alkanes are the simplest organic compounds and are the minimum present in an organic molecule.


  • Simple alkane chains without branches are named using the appropriate root name plus the suffix -ane:

 Propane

 CH3CH2CH3
  • Simple cyclic alkanes  without branches are named using the prefix cyclo plus the appropriate root name plus the suffix -ane:
 Cyclopropane
cyclopropane

organic chemistry ©Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary