Question

Give a brief overview of different systems of nomenclature of organic compounds.

Answer 1

There are three methods of nomenclature of organic compounds:

Trivial System: In this system, nomenclature of a compound is based on natural source and properties of compound. 

Some examples are:

CH₃OH – wood spirit

CH₃COOH – Marsh gas

Derived System: In this system, organic compounds  are named as derivatives of their simpler compounds. Some examples are.

CH₃CH₂OH – Methyl carbinol

IUPAC System: 

Following rules are obeyed while naming a compound:

• The prefix of compound is based on number of carbon atoms in a molecule of given compound.
• The suffix is written on the basis of type of bond in the compound.
• Name of compound is written after using appropriate prefix or suffix.
• Prefixes meth, eth, prop, but, pent, etc. are used respectively for one, two, three, four or five carbon atoms in the chain. Suffixes ane, ene and yne are respectively used for single, double and triple bonds.