Nitriles are organic compounds that contain a CN group. They are important reagents in many industrial processes, and are also found in various natural products.
Nitriles are classified in two different ways: systematic nomenclature and common names. In this article, we will discuss the naming conventions for nitriles in both systematic and common nomenclature.
1) Systematic Nomenclature of Nitriles
Systematic nomenclature is a set of rules that are used to name organic compounds in a systematic and consistent way. In this section, we will discuss the naming conventions for nitriles in systematic nomenclature.
Naming conventions for nitriles in systematic nomenclature:
In systematic nomenclature, nitriles are named by adding the suffix -nitrile to the parent alkane. The CN group is considered a substituent and is given the prefix cyano.
The position of the CN group is indicated by a number assigned to the carbon atom to which it is attached. For example, the nitrile derived from propane is named as propanenitrile.
The prefix cyano is only used when the CN group is not the highest priority group in the compound. Naming nitriles on a ring:
When a nitrile is present on a ring, it is named as a carbonitrile.
The ring is assigned a numbering system starting with the carbon atom bearing the CN group as carbon 1. If the CN group has the highest priority, then it is indicated with the prefix cyano.
If there are more than one CN groups, then they are named using the prefix dicyano, tricyano, and so on, depending on the number of CN groups present.
2) Common Names of Nitriles
Common names are used to name organic compounds that have no systematic name or to simplify the naming of complex compounds. In this section, we will discuss the common names of nitriles.
Derivatives of carboxylic acids in common nomenclature:
In common nomenclature, nitriles are named by adding the suffix -onitrile to the name of the carboxylic acid from which they are derived. For example, acetonitrile is a nitrile derived from acetic acid.
The suffix -onitrile is used to indicate that the -COOH group has been replaced by -CN. Nomenclature for nitriles as substituents:
Nitriles can also be named as substituents in common nomenclature.
In this case, the prefix cyano is used to indicate the presence of the CN group. The substituent name is listed alphabetically along with any other substituents present.
For example, 2-cyanobenzene is a benzene ring with a cyano group at position 2. In conclusion, nitriles are important organic compounds that are found in many industrial and natural products.
They can be named in two different ways: systematic nomenclature and common names. In systematic nomenclature, nitriles are named by adding the suffix -nitrile to the parent alkane, while in common nomenclature they are named by adding the suffix -onitrile to the name of the carboxylic acid from which they are derived.
When naming nitriles on a ring, a numbering system is used starting from the carbon atom bearing the CN group. Nitriles can also be named as substituents using the prefix cyano, which is listed alphabetically along with other substituents present.
Understanding the naming conventions for nitriles is essential in organic chemistry, and can make it easier to identify and understand the properties of these important compounds. Nitriles are organic compounds with a CN group that can be named according to systematic nomenclature or common names.
In systematic nomenclature, the suffix -nitrile is added to the parent alkane, while in common nomenclature, the suffix -onitrile is used to indicate the derivation from a carboxylic acid. It is important to understand the naming conventions for nitriles in organic chemistry as they are an essential reagent in many industrial and natural products.
Remember to use the prefix cyano to indicate the presence of the CN group, and to assign a numbering system if the nitrile is present on a ring. Ultimately, understanding nomenclature for nitriles can help to identify and understand properties of these important compounds.
FAQs:
1. What is a nitrile?
A nitrile is an organic compound that contains a CN group. 2.
How are nitriles named in systematic nomenclature? In systematic nomenclature, nitriles are named by adding the suffix -nitrile to the parent alkane, with the CN group considered a substituent and given the prefix cyano.
3. How are nitriles named in common nomenclature?
In common nomenclature, nitriles are named by adding the suffix -onitrile to the name of the carboxylic acid from which they are derived. 4.
How are nitriles named on a ring? When a nitrile is present on a ring, it is named as a carbonitrile, with the ring assigned a numbering system starting with the carbon atom bearing the CN group as carbon 1.
5. How are nitriles named as substituents?
Nitriles can be named as substituents using the prefix cyano, which is listed alphabetically along with other substituents present.