Organic Chemistry Nomenclature

molecular formula

the actual number and type of atoms present in a molecule

semi-strucutural formula

shows the arrangement of atoms but not all the bonds

structural formula

represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule

skeletal structure

each bend represents a carbon, hydrogens are assumed

PP: 1

meth-

PP: 2

eth-

PP: 3

prop-

PP: 4

but-

PP: 5

pent-

PP: 6

hex-

PP: 7

hept-

PP: 8

oct-

homologous series

a group with the same general formula, similar chemical structures and physical properties

GF: Alkanes

CnH2n+2

Alkanes suffix

-ane

GF: Alkenes

CnH2n

Alkenes suffix

-ene

Haloalkanes functional group

a halogen C-X

GF: Haloalkanes

CnH2n+1X

Alcohol functional group

hydroxyl R-O-H

GF: Alcohol

CnH2n+1OH

Carboxylic Acid functional group

Carboxyl R-COOH

GF: Carboxylic Acid

CnH2n+1COOH

Naming priority order (highest to lowest)

carboxyl, hydroxyl, alkene, halo, alkyl

Alkenes (saturation)

unsaturated

Alkanes (saturation)

saturated