SAGAR SINGH - IIT DELHI
Last Activity: 14 Years ago
Dear student,
A rational nomenclature system should do at least two things. First, it should indicate how the carbon atoms of a given compound are bonded together in a characteristic lattice of chains and rings. Second, it should identify and locate any functional groups present in the compound. Since hydrogen is such a common component of organic compounds, its amount and locations can be assumed from the tetravalency of carbon, and need not be specified in most cases.
The IUPAC nomenclature system is a set of logical rules devised and used by organic chemists to circumvent problems caused by arbitrary nomenclature. Knowing these rules and given a structural formula, one should be able to write a unique name for every distinct compound. Likewise, given a IUPAC name, one should be able to write a structural formula. In general, an IUPAC name will have three essential features:
• A root or base indicating a major chain or ring of carbon atoms found in the molecular structure.
• A suffix or other element(s) designating functional groups that may be present in the compound.
• Names of substituent groups, other than hydrogen, that complete the molecular structure.