Common Nomenclature for Organic Compounds
Does your compound have an
element other than C or H?
No – Does your
compound have a
ring or branch?
No – The total
number of carbons is
the name of your
compound (ex:
butane or hexane)
Yes – Is your hetero
atom bonded to 2 or
more carbon chains?
Yes – The total number of
carbons is the root name of
your compound – add the
appropriate prefix (iso, neo,
tert or cyclo)
H3C
H3C
CH3
OH
H3C
isooctane
cyclohexyl alcohol
sec-butyl
bromide
Yes – Name your
carbon chains in
alphabetical order
followed by the
functional group name
H3C
CH3
Br
H3C
CH3
pentane
No – Name your
carbon chain
followed by the
functional group
name
H3C
CH3
O
N
CH3
CH3
CH3
tert-butyl ethyl ether
H3C
CH3
isopropylmethylpropylamine