IUPAC NUMECLATURE OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds

The IUPAC system (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) is the standard method used for naming organic compounds systematically. The purpose is to give each compound a unique and universally accepted name.

Steps to Name Organic Compounds

1. Identify the longest carbon chain: This forms the parent name of the compound.
2. Number the chain: Number from the end nearest a substituent group to give substituents the lowest possible numbers.
3. Name the substituents: Identify all groups attached to the main chain.
4. Combine names: Write the substituents in alphabetical order, followed by the parent chain name and functional group suffix.

Common Suffixes

• -ane: Single bonds (Alkanes)
• -ene: Double bonds (Alkenes)
• -yne: Triple bonds (Alkynes)
• -ol: Alcohols
• -al: Aldehydes
• -one: Ketones

Examples

Example 1: CH3-CH2-CH3 → Propane

Example 2: CH3-CH(OH)-CH3 → 2-Propanol

Example 3: CH2=CH-CH3 → Prop-1-ene

✅ Practice regularly to master naming of complex organic compounds using IUPAC rules.

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