How Do You Name Bicyclic Compounds Using IUPAC Nomenclature?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the IUPAC nomenclature for naming bicyclic compounds, specifically addressing the correct naming of a bicyclic alkane. The correct name for the molecule in question is Bicyclo[3,3,1]nonane, as opposed to the incorrect attempt, Bicyclo[5,3]Decane. Key steps in the naming process include counting the total number of carbons, identifying the number of carbons between bridgeheads, and using the prefix "bicyclo." Misinterpretations arose due to incorrect atom counting and confusion over the structure's representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of IUPAC nomenclature rules
  • Familiarity with bicyclic compound structures
  • Knowledge of carbon counting in organic chemistry
  • Ability to visualize 3D molecular structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the IUPAC rules for naming bicyclic compounds in detail
  • Learn how to accurately draw and represent 3D molecular structures on paper
  • Explore examples of bicyclic compounds and their nomenclature
  • Practice identifying bridgeheads in various bicyclic structures
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone involved in molecular structure analysis and nomenclature.

gracy
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Homework Statement


Name the following molecule by the IUPAC system of nomenclature.
bicyclico.gif

Homework Equations


There are some rules.

To name bicyclic alkanes, you follow these three steps:

1- Count the total number of carbons in the entire molecule. This is the parent name (eg. ten carbons in the system would be decane)

2-Count the number of carbons between the bridgeheads, then place in brackets in descending order. (eg. [2,2,1])

3-Place the word bicyclo at the beginning of the name.

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I numbered the given structure as follows
numbered.png


And I considered the red line to be bridge
redline.png



redliness.png

And I named it as Bicyclo [5,3]Decane
But it is wrong . Answer is Bicyclo[3,3,1]nonane
 
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There is no carbon 6. To draw this molecules to scale you can't avoid an accidental crossing of the lines on the picture. Bonds go like 2-9 and 5-7 using your numbering scheme.
 
You counted the atoms incorrectly. There is no atom where you wrote the number 6. The figure is not well drawn, so I can understand the confusion, but look at it as two cyclohexane molecules stuck together.
 
Borek said:
To draw this molecules to scale you can't avoid an accidental crossing of the lines on the picture. Bonds go like 2-9 and 5-7 using your numbering scheme.
I did not understand.
 
There is no atom 6, there are no bonds 6-9, 6-7, 6-2 and 6-5. When you have something that is 3d, and you try to draw it on a flat surface of paper (which is always kind of projection), sometimes lines have to cross - but it doesn't mean they touch in the real molecule.
 
Where are bridgeheads in this case?
 
gracy said:
Where are bridgeheads in this case?
2 and 7.
 
I am confused. How to identify bridge heads?
 
gracy said:
I am confused. How to identify bridge heads?
They are the atoms that are part of the two rings.
 

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