Department of Chemistry

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Nomenclature

These pages will allow you to practice using proper nomenclature for a variety of organic molecules. Each page contains as many as ten molecules which can be selected by clicking the numbered buttons at the top of the page. The following suggestions are included to help you study more effectively. You will find them at the bottom of each page for reference.

• Start by clicking the Remove H button to reveal the basic core of each molecule. Any hydrogens that remain in the core view, indicate the presence of a functional group (OH, NH₂, etc.) or a double bond between two carbons. Double bonds cannot be represented directly, so you must infer them from the geometry. Heteroatoms such as O or N will be labeled to help you identify functional groups.
• Write the IUPAC name for each molecule on a piece of paper. I believe that it is important to write down the name so that you can practice not only naming the molecule, but also the rules involved in the process (dashes, commas, etc.).
• After you've written the name, click the Show Chain button to see if you chose the correct chain. If you did, click Label Chain to confirm that your numbering is in the correct sequence.
• Repeat the process for the remaining molecules.
• Once you've completed your list for a given page, select the Answers link and print the page. When comparing your answers to the correct ones, be certain to check commas, dashes and prefixes (di-, tri-, etc.), as these are part of the name.

These pages require the Chime plug-in from MDL Information Systems, Inc. The latest Chime plug-in for Windows can be downloaded from the CWRU Chemistry Software Library.