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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Esters

Nomenclature
Formula
3D structure
Functional class name = alkyl alkanoate

Substituent suffix = -oate



  • Functional group is an ester, therefore suffix = -oate
  • The alcohol component here is methanol, so the alkyl = methyl
  • The acid component here is propanoic acid, so propanoate
methyl propanoate


ester

  • Functional group is an ester, therefore suffix = -oate
  • The alcohol component here is 2-propanol (or isopropanol), so the alkyl = 2-propyl or isopropyl
  • The acid component here is propanoic acid, so propanoate

2-propyl propanoate or isopropyl propanoate

ester  
  • Functional group is an ester, therefore suffix = -oate
  • The alcohol component here is methanol, so the alkyl = methyl
  • The acid component has a longest continuous chain that is C3 so the root = prop
  • With the acid group at C1, there is a methyl group at C2 = 2-methyl

methyl 2-methylpropanoate

ester  
  • Functional group is an ester, therefore suffix = -oate
  • The alcohol component here is 2-propanol (or isopropanol), so the alkyl = 2-propyl or isopropyl
  • The acid component has a longest continuous chain that is C4 so the root = but
  • With the acid group at C1, there is a methyl group at C2 = 2-methyl

2-propyl 2-methylbutanoate
or
isopropyl 2-methylbutanoate

ester  



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