- Identify the principal functional group with the highest priority from the table (e.g., carboxylic acid > ester > amide > nitrile > aldehyde > ketone > alcohol > thiol > amine).
- Name the parent chain based on the number of carbons in the longest continuous chain that includes the principal functional group.
- Assign the suffix corresponding to the principal functional group (e.g., -oic acid for carboxylic acid, -one for ketone).
- Treat all other functional groups as substituents and use their prefix forms (e.g., chloro-, hydroxy-, amino-).
- Number the parent chain to give the principal functional group the lowest possible number.
- List substituents in alphabetical order (ignoring prefixes like di-, tri-) before the parent name, with locants indicating their positions.
- For functional groups that can only be prefixes (halides, ethers, nitro), include them alphabetically in the prefix section with no suffix used for them.
- Combine the substituent prefixes, parent chain name, and principal functional group suffix to form the complete IUPAC name.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nomenclature practice worksheet.
