🧪 DAT Organic Nomenclature: How to Name Alkanes, Alkenes, and Functional Groups

Naming organic compounds is foundational for recognizing:

• Functional groups

• Structural isomers

• Reaction sites

• Interpretation of DAT passage diagrams

Expect multiple questions asking you to name a structure, or match a name to a structure.

📚 Step-by-Step IUPAC Naming Strategy

1. Identify the longest carbon chain (includes double/triple bonds if present)

2. Number the chain from the end closest to the highest priority group

3. Identify and name substituents

4. Assign locants (position numbers)

5. Assemble the name:

   • [Prefix]-[Parent Chain]-[Suffix]

🔗 Common Suffixes & Prefixes for DAT

Group	Prefix	Suffix	Priority
Alkane	alkyl-	-ane	Low
Alkene	alkenyl-	-ene	↑
Alkyne	alkynyl-	-yne	↑
Alcohol (–OH)	hydroxy-	-ol	↑↑
Ketone (C=O)	oxo-	-one	↑↑
Aldehyde (–CHO)	formyl-	-al	↑↑
Carboxylic Acid	carboxy-	-oic acid	Highest
Amine (–NH₂)	amino-	-amine	Medium

📌 DAT Tip: The higher the priority, the closer to the end of the name it becomes the suffix.

🔍 DAT Question Styles to Expect

• “Name this molecule”

• “Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name?”

• “Which functional group has the highest priority?”

• “Where would numbering start in this compound?”

🧠 Practice Naming Example

Name:
CH₃–CH(OH)–CH₂–CH₃

Step-by-step:

• Longest chain = 4 (butanol)

• –OH on carbon 2 → 2-butanol
  ✅ Answer: 2-butanol

🎯 Call to Action

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✅ Summary

• Master the IUPAC system: longest chain, substituents, numbering, priority

• Know suffix vs. prefix rules

• Watch for double/triple bonds and functional group priority

• Practice building names from structures and vice versa

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

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