MCAT Organic Chemistry Lecture: Nomenclature

May 28, 2024

Mindmap

MCAT Organic Chemistry Lecture: Nomenclature

Introduction

  • Presenter: Iman
  • Topic: Nomenclature (Chapter 1 of MCAT Organic Chemistry playlist)
  • Format: Lecture-style videos followed by practice problems for each chapter
  • Importance: Understanding chemical nomenclature is crucial for answering questions correctly on the MCAT

Chapter Objectives

  1. IUPAC Naming Conventions: Learn the standardized steps to name a chemical compound
  2. Hydrocarbons and Alcohols: Naming these compounds
  3. Aldehydes and Ketones: Naming compounds with these functional groups
  4. Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives: Naming compounds with esters, amides, and anhydrides
  5. Functional Groups' Priority: Understand the priority order when multiple functional groups are present

Functional Groups Covered

  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Alcohols
  • Ketones
  • Aldehydes
  • Ethers
  • Amines
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Esters
  • Amides

IUPAC Naming Conventions

Purpose

  • Create unambiguous relationship between the name and structure of a compound
  • Every molecule needs a unique name to avoid confusion

Four Parts of Naming

  1. Root/Parent Chain: Identifies the longest carbon chain; prioritize chains with the greatest number of substituents
  2. Modifiers: Denote attached functional groups (details covered in later objectives)
  3. Substituents: Branches off the chain; suffix -yl used
  4. Numbering: Lowest number to substituents; rules for ties

Naming Steps

  1. Identify the Longest Carbon Chain: Includes highest order functional group; more substituted chain gets priority
  2. Numbering the Chain: Closest to highest priority functional group; the more oxidized the carbon, the higher the priority
  3. Name the Substituents: Prefixes used; -yl suffix for alkyl substituents, special names for common alkyl groups
    • Examples of common alkyl substituents:
      • t-butyl, neopental, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl
  4. Assign Numbers to Each Substituent: Considers multiple substituents on the same carbon
  5. Complete the Name: Alphabetical order of substituents; use commas and hyphens for separation

Example Problem

  1. Longest Chain: Identify an 8-carbon chain (octane)
  2. Substituents: Ethyl and methyl
  3. Numbering: Ensure the lowest number for substituents
  4. Assign: 4-ethyl, 5-methyl
  5. Construct Name: 4-ethyl-5-methyl-octane

Practice Problem

  • Attempt to name the given molecule and write the answer in the comments section

Conclusion

  • Next video will cover objectives 2-5
  • Encouragement to ask questions and provide feedback
  • Wishing good luck and happy studying