Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

Alkanes and Cycloalkanes: Nomenclature and Conformations

Introduction to Naming Molecules

• Two primary ways to name molecules:

  • The Biology Way (Historical Names): Discoverers give things random or descriptive names, which are then memorized.

    • Examples: Spongiforma Squarepantsii (fungus), Pikachurin (retinal protein).

    • Chemists historically used this method, resulting in