IUPAC nomenclature is the standardized system for naming chemical compounds established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Why Learn IUPAC Names?
Every organic compound has a unique IUPAC name that encodes its structure. Learning these rules lets you go from name to structure and back.
Core Rules
- Find the longest continuous carbon chain (parent chain)
- Identify and name all substituents
- Number the chain to give substituents the lowest locants
- Assemble the name alphabetically
Functional Group Priority
The principal characteristic group determines the suffix:
| Priority | Group | Suffix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carboxylic acid | -oic acid |
| 2 | Aldehyde | -al |
| 3 | Ketone | -one |
| 4 | Alcohol | -ol |
| 5 | Amine | -amine |
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