Nomenclature of Alkenes

Step 1: Determine the longest chain containing the double bond

Step 2: Number the chain starts from the end closest to the double bonds
• A compound with two double bonds is a “diene”.
• A compound with three double bonds is a “triene” and etc.
• Numbers are used to specify the locations of the double bonds.

Name the following compounds using IUPAC system.

Nomenclature of Cis-trans Isomers

Cis : Similar groups on same side of double bond

Trans: Similar groups on opposite sides of double bond

Br Br H CH3
C C C C
H H CH3CH2 H
cis-1,2-dibromoethene trans-2-pentene
E-Z Nomenclature
• Use the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules to assign priorities to groups attached to each carbon in the double
bond.
• If high priority groups are on the same side, the name is Z (for zusammen).
• If high priority groups are on opposite sides, the name is E (for entgegen).

Cl CH3 Cl
C C
Br H

(E)-1-bromo-1-chloropropene 3-chloro-(3Z,5E)-octadiene

Cl
H3C Cl H CH CH3
C C C C
H CH2 H

3,7-dichloro-(2Z,5E)-octadiene

Nomenclature of Alkynes
Rule 1: Determine the longest chain containing the triple bond and change the –ane ending of the parent
alkane to –yne.
Rule 2: Give number to the carbons, from the end closest to the triple bond. The position of the triple bond is
designated by its lower-numbered carbon atom.
Rule 3: Give number to the substituents to indicate their locations.

Main groups in order of decreasing priority in IUPAC naming system

RCOOH > ESTERS > AMIDES > NITRILES > ALDEHYDES > KETONES > ALCOHOLS > AMINES > ALKENES >
ALKYNES > ALKANES > ETHERS > HALIDES

CH3 OH
CH2 CH CH2 CH C CH CH3 C C CH2 CH CH3

4-methyl-1-hexen-5-yne 4-hexyn-2-ol