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.