Naming Organic Compounds

Consitiutional isomers

Same molecular formula, different atom connections

Stereoismomers

Same molecular formula and atom connections, different spatial or 3D orientation of atoms or groups

Methane

1 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Ethane

2 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Propane

3 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Butane

4 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Pentane

5 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Hexane

6 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Heptane

7 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Octane

8 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Nonane

9 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Decane

10 carbon, straight-chain alkane

Primary

Carbon bound to 1 other carbon

Secondary

Carbon bound to 2 other carbons

Tertiary

Carbon bound to 3 other carbons

Quaternary

Carbon bound to 4 other carbons

Cyclopropane

Triangle shaped cyclic alkane

Cyclobutane

Square shaped cyclic alkane

Cyclopentane

Pentagon shaped cyclic alkane

Cyclohexane

Hexagon shaped cyclic alkane

Di

Two offshoots of branched alkane

Tri

Three offshoots of branched alkane

Tetra

Four offshoots of branched alkane

Cis isomer

Two similar groups on same side of double bond

Trans isomer

Two similar groups on opposite sides of double bond