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Ch. 5 - Alkenes: Structure, Nomenclature, and an Introduction to Reactivity • Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Bruice - Organic Chemistry 8th Edition
Bruice8th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213711Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 39a

What is each compound's systematic name?
a. Structural formula of an alkene with bromine substituents, showing carbon chains and double bond.

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1
Step 1: Identify the longest continuous carbon chain in the compound. This will serve as the parent chain and determine the base name of the compound (e.g., methane, ethane, propane, etc.).
Step 2: Number the carbon atoms in the parent chain starting from the end closest to the first substituent group. This ensures the substituents receive the lowest possible numbers.
Step 3: Identify and name all substituent groups attached to the parent chain. Common substituents include alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl) and functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, halogens).
Step 4: Combine the names of the substituents with the parent chain name. Use prefixes to indicate the number of identical substituents (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra-) and place the substituent names in alphabetical order. Include the position numbers for each substituent.
Step 5: If applicable, identify and prioritize functional groups according to IUPAC rules. Functional groups may affect the suffix of the compound name (e.g., -ol for alcohols, -al for aldehydes). Ensure the name reflects the correct functional group hierarchy.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds. It provides a set of rules to create unique names based on the structure of the molecule, including the longest carbon chain, functional groups, and substituents. Understanding these rules is essential for accurately identifying and communicating the identity of compounds.
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Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and amino (-NH2). Recognizing functional groups is crucial for determining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds, which directly influences their systematic naming.
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Structural Isomerism

Structural isomerism occurs when compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. This can lead to different physical and chemical properties, making it important to specify the correct structure when naming a compound. Understanding isomerism is vital for accurately determining the systematic names of compounds, as different structures can yield different names.
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