Straight Chain Alkanes: An Alkane that has all its carbons connected in a row
Branched Chain Alkanes: An alkane that has a branching connection of carbons
Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structures
If n>4, the Alkanes have Greek numbers as their prefixes
But if n≤4, the Alkanes are named historically
| # of Carbons | Alkane |
|---|---|
| 1 | Methane |
| 2 | Ethane |
| 3 | Propane |
| 4 | Butane |
| 5 | Pentane |
| 6 | Hexane |
| 7 | Heptane |
| 8 | Octane |
| 9 | Nonane |
| 10 | Decane |
Alkyne Substituents (Side Chains)
| # of Carbons | Alkane |
|---|---|
| 1 | Methyl |
| 2 | Ethyl |
| 3 | Propyl |
ROOT = Number of Carbons
SUFFIX = Functional Group
(ane for Alkanes)
(yl for Alkyls)
Other Branches
When other atoms are branches, use the following names: