OChem – Alkanes & Naming – Ch. 1–2 – May 5

What is the general formula for alkanes?

CnH2n+2

What type of bonds do alkanes contain?

Only sigma (σ) single bonds

What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH2CH3?

Propane

What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH(CH3)CH3?

2-Methylpropane

What is the longest continuous chain of CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3?

Pentane

What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH(CH3)CH(CH3)CH3?

2,3-Dimethylbutane

What is a constitutional isomer?

Molecules with the same formula but different connectivity

How many constitutional isomers does C4H10 have?

2

How many constitutional isomers does C5H12 have?

3

What is a substituent?

A group attached to the main carbon chain

What are the steps to name a branched alkane?

Find the longest chain, number to give lowest locants, list substituents alphabetically

What do you do when two substituents are on the same carbon?

Use both locants and prefixes: e.g., 2,2-dimethyl

Do prefixes like di-, tri-, tetra- affect alphabetical order?

No, ignore them when alphabetizing

What is a skeletal (line-angle) structure?

A shorthand where carbon atoms are at line ends and bends; H's are implied

How many bonds must carbon have in organic molecules?

4

What is the IUPAC name for a 6-carbon ring?

Cyclohexane