Naming  Simple Organic (Carbon Containing) Compounds in Chem 105

 

Alkanes contain only carbon and hydrogen and are a class of hydrocarbons.  Alkanes are used as fuel, waxes, and plastics.

The name ending for all alkanes is -ane.  A prefix that specifies the number of carbon atoms in the parent chain is attached to the name ending,  -ane.  These prefixes up to 10 carbon atoms should be learned:

             

meth-	1 C	hex-	6 C
eth-	2 C	hept-	7 C
prop-	3 C	oct-	8 C
but-	4 C	non-	9 C
pent-	5 C	dec-	10 C

 

Example: C₃H₈ - propane Note for n number of C there are 2n+2 number of H for alkanes. A model of propane:

 

 

Alcohols such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol) are used as solvents and antiseptics and contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (noted by the -OH group).

 

Name as an alkane and replace the -e with an -ol.  For example: C₂H₅OH – ethanol

 

 

 

There are many more categories of organic molecules.

 

 

Practice

Name the following:

1.      C₇H₁₆

2.      C₈H₁₈

3.      C₅H₁₁OH

4.      C₆H₁₃OH

 

 

Write the molecular formula for the following:

1.      heptanol

2.      methane

3.      propanol

4.      nonane