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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Polyynes

The term polyyne simply implies the presence of several alkynes. To be more specific, a diyne has two C≡C, a triyne has three C≡C etc.
Polyynes are named in a similar manner to alkynes themselves and to polyenes.

  • Functional group is an alkyne, therefore suffix = -yne
  • There are two alkynes, so insert the multiplier di
  • The longest continuous chain is C6 therefore root plus "a" = hexa
  • The first point of difference requires that we number from the right as drawn
  • Locants for C≡C units are therefore 1- and 4-
hexa-1,4-diyne
or
1,4-hexadiyne


a diyne

CH3C≡CCH2C≡CH


organic chemistry ©Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary