The Alkane Series

The naming of organic compounds consists of a series of logical steps.
The first is the determination of the "parent" name of the compound.

In selecting a parent name the longest continuous sequence of carbon atoms is selected.
Later we will see that when various functional groups are present that this rule may not apply as it is only for alkanes.

The actual parent name is derived from a root word, typically of Greek origin.

This name indicates the number of carbon in the continuous chain. Note that all
hydrocarbons with the general formula of C_nH_2n+2 have a name ending in "ane".

Below are the alkane series from 1 (methane) to 10 (decane).  Note you may also be responsible for higher carbon chains in your lecture.

Alkane Series