Nomenclature of cyclic and branched hydrocarbons

You Hydrocarbons are organic compounds characterized by having only carbon and hydrogen atoms. As shown in the text “IUPAC Nomenclature”, the nomenclature of the compounds of this function, which have no branches and are open-chain, follows the following basic rule:

Three main parts that make up the IUPAC nomenclature

Hydrocarbons can be divided into alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. The nomenclature of each of these groups, without the presence of ramifications, can be seen in more detail in the texts: Alkanes Nomenclature, Alkenes Nomenclature and Alkyne Nomenclature .

But, basically, the difference between them is in the intermediary, that is, in the type of connection, which is as follows:

  • Range: Link simple: intermediary an
  • Alkene: Link pair: intermediary en
  • Alkyne: Link triple: intermediary in

With this information in mind, let's now look at the naming rules for these hydrocarbons when they have branches and when they are cyclic or aromatic:

  • Branched hydrocarbons:

First, it is necessary choose the main chain, which should have the following main characteristics:

1- Encompass the greatest number of unsaturations;

2- Have the longest sequence of carbon atoms bonded together.

Example:

Wrong: Correct:

H3C — CH2 - CH - CH2 — CH— CH3 H3C — CH2 CH CH2 CH2 CH3

CH2 CH2

CH2CH2

CH3 CH3

The first one is wrong because it contains only 6 carbon atoms, while the second one, the main chain has 7 carbons.

If you happen to have more than one possibility of a chain with the same amount of carbons, you should choose the one that has greater number of branches. See the examples below:

CH3 CH3 CH3
│ │
H3Ç CH2 CH CH CH3 H3C — CH2 — CH CH CH3 H3C — CH2 — CH CH — CH3

H3C — CH2 H3Ç - CH2H3ÇCH2

CH3 CH3 CH

Note that in all three cases the chains chosen as main (in red) have 5 carbons. The first structure has 2 branches (in black), the second has 3 branches and the third chain also has 3 branches. Therefore, the main string chosen correctly is the second or third (which will actually lead to the same naming).

After choosing the main chain, it is necessary number it, as it will be necessary to indicate which carbon the branch is coming from. To learn the nomenclature of the branches, read the text “Branch naming”.

Thus, the nomenclature of branched open chain hydrocarbons follows the following order:

Naming Rules for Branched Hydrocarbons

Now see the following examples:

H3C — CH24CH —3CH22CH2 — 1CH3 : 4-ethylheptane

5CH2

6CH2

7CH3

1CH3

H3C — CH3 CH — 2CH — CH3: 3-ethyl-2,4-dimethylpentane

H35Ç -4CH2

CH

H38Ç - 7CH26CH2 5CH24CH - 3CH = 2CH -1CH3: 4-s-butyl-oct-2-ene

CH3 — CH2 — CH

CH3

  • Cyclic hydrocarbons:

The only difference between open-chain and cyclic-chain hydrocarbons is the presence of the prefix "cycle".

Examples:

Nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons:

There is no general rule for naming Aromatic Hydrocarbons, in general, these compounds have a particular nomenclature.

When its main chain has only one benzene ring, it is called benzene and may have one or more substituent groups. Let's look at the structural formulas for the most common aromatics:

Nomenclature of aromatic hydrocarbons


By Jennifer Fogaça
Graduated in Chemistry

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/nomenclatura-hidrocarbonetos-ciclicos-ramificados.htm

Check out the BEST fruit to gain muscle mass

For many people, gaining muscle mass can be a real sacrifice. Because of this, when entering the ...

read more

Being a housewife is still attractive for women in Japan

During the last few years, it is clear that the number of women entering the labor market has inc...

read more

Ghee versus butter: Which is the healthiest option, according to nutritionist

Many people condemn dietary fat, but in fact, it is essential to consume at least some source of ...

read more