Nomenclature

Functional group

An atom or group of atoms responsible for the typical chemical reactions of a molecule

Homologous series

A group of molecules with the same functional group but a different number of CH2 groups

Genera formula of an alkane

CnH2n+2

Methane

CH4

Ethane

C2H6

Propane

C3H8

Butane

C4H10

Pentane

C5H12

Hexane

C6H14

Heptane

C7H16

Octane

C8H18

Nonane

C9H20

Decane

C10H22

Alkyl groups

When a hydrogen atom from an alkane is removed. A type of side chain

Methyl

CH3

Ethyl

C2H5

Propyl

C3H7

Butyl

C4H9

Step one for naming alkanes

Number the longest unbranded chain of carbon atoms in the structure starting at the end nearest any side groups

Step two for naming alkanes

The compound is an alkane, the suffix is -ane

Step three for naming alkanes

Identify any alkyl groups as side chains. Add a number before the alkyl group to show its position on the carbon chain

Step four of naming alkanes

If more than one alkyl groups on the main chain, the groups are named alphabetically

Step five of naming alkanes

If there is more than one of the same type of alkyl group, use di,tri or tetra to the prefix