The following rules are generally followed :
(i) The names of alicyclic compounds are obtained by adding the prefix 'cyclo' to the name of the corresponding straight chain hydrocarbon (alkane, alkene or alkyne).
(ii) If two or more alkyl groups or other substituent groups are present in the ring, their positions are indicated by numerals, such as 1, 2, 3, 4…..etc. While numbering the carbon atoms of the ring, the substituent which comes first in the alphabetical order is given the lowest number provided it does not violate the lowest locant rule. For example,
(iii) If the ring contains more or equal number of carbon atoms as the alkyl group attached to it, it is named as a derivative of cycloalkane and the alkyl group is treated as a substituent group, otherwise it is named as a derivative of alkane and the cycloalkyl group is considered as a substituent group. For example,
(iv) If, however, the side chain contains a multiple bond or a functional group, the alicyclic ring is treated as the substituent irrespective of the size of the ring. For example,
(v) If a multiple (double or triple) bond and some other substituents are present in the ring, the numbering is done in such a way that the carbon atoms of the multiple bond get lowest locants 1 and 2 and also the substituents get the lower locants at the first point of difference. For example,
(vi) If the ring contains a multiple bond and the side chain contains a functional group, then the ring is treated as the substituent and the compound is named as a derivative of the side chain. For example,
(vii) If the ring as well as the side chain contain functional groups, the compound is named as a derivative of the side chain or the alicyclic ring depending on wheather the side chain or the ring contains, the principal functional group. For example
