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Alkyne Naming Rules and Examples

Jul 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers how to name alkynes using both common names and IUPAC nomenclature, including various examples and rules for prioritizing functional groups.

Common Naming of Alkynes

  • Acetylene (C≡CH) is the simplest alkyne; its common name is acetylene.
  • Adding a methyl group: methyl acetylene (CH₃C≡CH).
  • Two methyl groups: dimethyl acetylene.
  • Adding an ethyl group: ethyl acetylene (CH₃CHâ‚‚C≡CH).
  • Phenyl group attached: phenylacetylene (phenyl + acetylene).
  • Two phenyl groups: diphenylacetylene.
  • Two isopropyl groups: diisopropylacetylene.
  • For common names, list alkyl groups alphabetically before "acetylene", written as one word.

IUPAC Nomenclature of Alkynes

  • Identify the longest carbon chain containing the triple bond.
  • Number the chain to give the triple bond the lowest possible number.
  • Replace "-ane" with "-yne"; indicate the position of the triple bond (e.g., but-1-yne for a four-carbon chain with a triple bond at carbon 1).
  • Name and number substituents; list them alphabetically.
  • When multiple triple bonds: use "-diyne," "-triyne," etc. (e.g., 1,5-nonadiyne).
  • Triple bond gets priority in numbering over alkyl and halogen substituents.

Functional Group Priority in Naming

  • Triple bond (alkyne) takes priority over alkyl and halo substituents in numbering.
  • Alkene (double bond) has higher priority than alkyne; number to give the alkene the lowest number.
  • Alcohol group (–OH) has higher priority than alkyne; number chain to give the alcohol the lowest number.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Alkyne — Hydrocarbon with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond (–C≡C–).
  • Acetylene — The simplest alkyne (Câ‚‚Hâ‚‚ or HC≡CH).
  • IUPAC Name — Systematic chemical name following International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry rules.
  • Common Name — Traditional or simpler name, often based on "acetylene" plus substituent names.
  • Phenyl — The substituent derived from benzene (C₆H₅–).
  • Isopropyl — The substituent derived from propane (–CH(CH₃)â‚‚).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice naming more alkyne examples using both common and IUPAC methods.
  • Review functional group priority in nomenclature.
  • Complete any assigned exercises or textbook readings on alkynes.