Name the following molecule (common name and IUPAC)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the naming of organic molecules, specifically focusing on sec-pentylcyclohexane and its ambiguity in nomenclature. Participants clarify that both 2-pentylcyclohexane and 3-pentylcyclohexane are valid IUPAC names for the same compound, highlighting the confusion surrounding the use of sec-, iso-, and tert- prefixes in organic chemistry. The conversation emphasizes that while common names may be useful in industrial contexts, they can lead to misidentification in academic settings. The importance of precise nomenclature in chemistry is underscored, particularly for educational assessments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of IUPAC nomenclature for organic compounds
  • Familiarity with cycloalkanes and their substituents
  • Knowledge of structural isomerism in organic chemistry
  • Basic concepts of organic compound classification (primary, secondary, tertiary)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the IUPAC naming conventions for complex organic molecules
  • Study the differences between common and systematic names in organic chemistry
  • Explore the concept of structural isomerism with examples
  • Learn about the implications of ambiguous nomenclature in chemical communication
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, educators, and anyone involved in chemical nomenclature and communication will benefit from this discussion.

oferon
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http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2916/95953925.jpg

I understand molecule #1 is sec-pentylcyclohexane
But how would you call molecule 2?

Please give common and IUPAC names (no need for too much detailed explanations)
Thank you.
 
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any iso/sec/tert name for it?
 
oferon said:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2916/95953925.jpg

I understand molecule #1 is sec-pentylcyclohexane

No you don't. Try again.
 
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Why not?
Here is sec-butylcyclohexane:
cas7058-01-7.gif


And another carbon to the chain simply makes it pentyl, am I wrong?
 
Here is http://www.chemindustry.com/chemicals/0330843.html and http://www.chemindustry.com/chemicals/0434357.html.

sec-pentyl(stuff) isn't well-defined.
 
yes, the two systems are 2-pentylcyclohexane and 3-pentylcyclohexane.

These are both common and IUPAC names.

The sec- iso- tert- type names are confusing and only really useful for industrial compounds commonly known by these names or chains of 4 or fewer carbon atoms. For pentyl systems, the traditional nomenclature is even more confused by the intrusion of "amyl"

"Common" or "industrial" names are not really worth knowing these days unless you are working with shipments of stuff. There are about 20 isomers of octane. n-octane is the straight chain isomer. There is no possible way you could know without looking it up or working with it that iso-octane is 2,2,4-trimethylpentane!
 
I would need to know iso, sec and tert for my exam.. Some answers you should pick appear as iso\sec\tert rather than IUPAC formal names.. I wish it wasn't like that
 
I think you'll find that where you are presented 'sec-' or 'tert-' substituted alkanes there will be only one obvious answer. Sec-butylcyclohexane is unambiguous since the cyclohexyl substitution at either secondary carbons results in a single product. That isn't the case with sec-pentylcyclohexane. Substitution at either the 2 or the 3 position is correct for that name so the ambiguity resulting from that nomenclature will result in misidentification or miscommunication and shouldn't be used.

BTW, a typical test question reads, "The name sec-butyl alcohol defines a specific structure but the name sec-penty alcohol is ambiguous. Explain."

So now you know.
 
  • #10
chemisttree said:
I think you'll find that where you are presented 'sec-' or 'tert-' substituted alkanes there will be only one obvious answer. Sec-butylcyclohexane is unambiguous since the cyclohexyl substitution at either secondary carbons results in a single product. That isn't the case with sec-pentylcyclohexane. Substitution at either the 2 or the 3 position is correct for that name so the ambiguity resulting from that nomenclature will result in misidentification or miscommunication and shouldn't be used.

BTW, a typical test question reads, "The name sec-butyl alcohol defines a specific structure but the name sec-penty alcohol is ambiguous. Explain."

So now you know.

Tongue in cheek and only very marginally relevant to the OP question :-

Another test question: "The name sec-butyl alcohol does not unambiguously define a single substance. Nor does the IUPAC designation 2-butanol. Explain why not, and how to rectify the nomenclature."
 

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