How to Name Organic Compounds (Simple)

Last Updated: October 3, 2021

This is the best and simplest guide to naming compounds with hydrogen and carbon in them! Don't be put off by the long and complicated names, start from the basics.

Steps

1
See how many Carbon atoms are in the chain.
2
Look at the table to determine what its name is. For 'A level' you must memorize all of names in this table.^{[1]
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3
Note the other variant. The other variation of the hydrocarbon is to have a double bond in them, like this. Replace the -ane with an -ene. For example this would be Ethene.^{[2]
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4
Examine the Haloalkane! The halo- in its name comes from Halogen.
- Learn how to name them from reading the next steps.
5
Number the carbons, starting from the Halogen (or functional group).
6
Use this table. You should find the name you will add to your chain's name.
7
Name it. Keep in mind that the "-" is essential for naming compounds. It must always be between a number and a letter, like this "2-chloro...."^{[3]
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8
Know what a functional group! This is a functional group.^{[4]
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9
Name a function group. To do so, make sure to count from the side that gives it the smallest number. In this case it can only be 2.
10
Use this table to name it.
- It is laid out like this.
11
Introduce two Halogens into the hydrocarbon.
12
Count out on which number carbon the Halogens are attached to. Remember to keep the lowest numbered carbons.
13
Remember another essential piece of information.
14
Get the Halogens in alphabetical order. Example: Bromo comes before Chloro. Use this information here is for the name of this molecule.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

That is just for hydrocarbons right? What about other organic compounds?

Community Answer

Organic compounds are defined by the presence of hydrogen-carbon structures. While hydrocarbons often refer to burnable compounds, the words mean pretty much the same thing. Naming complex organic compounds such as codeine or adenosine is difficult and will not be expected from high school or first year university students.
Question

How many lone pairs does ammonia have?

Community Answer

The molecular formula of ammonia is NH3. The nitrogen has 5 number of valance electrons; it is bonded to 3 hydrogen atoms, so it has 1 lone pair of electrons.
Question

Is coca cola a compound or mixture?

Hannah

Community Answer

It is a mixture of water, sugar, coloring, flavoring agents, acids and many more. A compound would be a pure substance, which means it's made up out of only one kind of molecule - like water, which consists only of H2O.