Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2014

Last exams 2024

|

Nomenclature (DP IB Chemistry: SL)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Stewart

Author

Stewart

Last updated

Nomenclature

  • Systematic nomenclature can be used to name organic compounds and therefore make it easier to refer to them
  • The alkanes provide the basis of the naming system and the stem of each name indicates how many carbon atoms are in the longest chain in one molecule of the compound

Nomenclature of Organic Compounds Table

An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Table 1_Nomenclature of Aliphatic Compounds, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Examiner Tip

Although the table shows up to 10 carbons for reference, in your IB Chemistry exam you are only required to name molecules with up to 6 carbons

Chains & Branches

  • If there are any side-chains or functional groups present, then the position of these groups are indicated by numbering the carbon atoms in the longest chain starting at the end that gives the lowest possible numbers in the name
  • The hydrocarbon side-chain is shown in brackets in the structural formula

CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH3

  • The side-chain is named by adding ‘-yl’ to the normal alkane stem
  • This type of group is called an alkyl group

Naming Side Chains

  • If there are more than one of the same alkyl side-chain or functional groups, di- (for two), tri- (for three) or tetra- (for four) is added in front of its name
  • The adjacent numbers have a comma between them
  • Numbers are separated from words by a hyphen

 

Naming Multiple Side Chains

  • If there is more than one type of alkyl side-chain, they are listed in alphabetic order

Naming Side Chains in Alphabetical Order

Examiner Tip

An aliphatic compound is straight or branched-chain and also includes cyclic organic compounds that do not contain a benzene ring

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.