Nomenclature and Alcohol Classification
This page covers the systematic naming of organic compounds and the classification of alcohols.
Nomenclature of Organic Compounds
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry IUPAC has established rules for systematically naming organic compounds. These rules ensure that each compound name corresponds to a unique structural formula.
Definition: Nomenclature is the systematic naming of chemical compounds to ensure unambiguous identification.
Key steps in naming organic compounds:
- Identify and number the longest carbon chain, starting from the end closest to the functional group.
- Name and number any side chains, listing them alphabetically with appropriate prefixes di−,tri−,tetra−,etc..
- Combine the parts to form the full compound name.
Example: CH₃-CH₂-CCH3CH3-CHC2H5-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ would be named 4-ethyl-3,3-dimethylheptan-1-ol.
Classification of Alcohols
Alcohols are classified based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl −OH group is attached:
Definition:
- Primary alcohols: -OH attached to a carbon with one alkyl group
- Secondary alcohols: -OH attached to a carbon with two alkyl groups
- Tertiary alcohols: -OH attached to a carbon with three alkyl groups
Example:
- Pentan-1-ol primaryalcohol
- Pentan-2-ol secondaryalcohol
- 2-Methylbutan-2-ol tertiaryalcohol
Highlight: Understanding the classification of alcohols is crucial for predicting their chemical behavior and reactivity.