Systematic Naming of Organic Compounds: IUPAC Fundamentals

Many students find organic chemistry nomenclature confusing, but it relies on strict, logical rules that are easy to learn when broken down. This foundational course strips away the complexity, providing a clear, systematic framework for naming organic molecules. You will gain the confidence to analyze compound structures and accurately apply the official International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) naming conventions. ### What you'll learn * Understand the fundamental principles of nomenclature, including prefixes, suffixes, locants, and parent structures. * Apply the priority rules for selecting the principal functional group and the longest continuous carbon chain. * Practice naming saturated, unsaturated, and cyclic hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. * Master the systematic naming of compounds containing common functional groups like alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. * Learn to incorporate essential stereochemical descriptors (like E/Z and R/S) into IUPAC names for complex molecules. * Build complex names by handling structures with multiple substituents and polyfunctional groups. The material begins with basic terminology and the hierarchy of naming rules, moving progressively through simple chains to complex structures involving multiple functional groups and stereoisomers. Extensive written explanations and exercises are provided to solidify understanding and application. ### Who this course is for This course is suitable for anyone new to organic chemistry, including high school and college students seeking a strong conceptual foundation. No prior chemistry knowledge is required to begin. Start reading today and build a robust foundation in chemical naming.