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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Fused and bridged bicycloalkanes

STUDY TIP
In bridged systems, number the biggest ring first
bridged = biggest


  • Functional group is an alkane, therefore suffix = -ane
  • The ring structure requires the prefix bicyclo
  • The ring structure is C4 therefore root = but
  • The links contain 1, 1 and 0 carbon atoms = [1.1.0]
bicyclo[1.1.0]butane
bicyclo[1.1.0]butane
  • Functional group is an alkane, therefore suffix = -ane
  • The ring structure requires the prefix bicyclo
  • The ring structure is C7 therefore root = hept
  • The links each contain 2, 2 and 1 carbon atom = [2.2.1]
bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
bicyclo111pentane

  • Functional group is an alkane, therefore suffix = -ane
  • The ring structure requires the prefix bicyclo
  • The ring structure is C10 therefore root = dec
  • The links each contain 4, 3 and 1 carbon atom = [4.3.1]
bicyclo[4.3.1]decane

  • Functional group is an alkane, therefore suffix = -ane
  • The ring structure requires the prefix bicyclo
  • The ring structure is C9 therefore root = non
  • The links each contain 3, 3 and 1 carbon atom = [3.3.1]
  • There are two C1 substituents  i.e. dimethyl groups
  • First points of difference implies locants are 1,3-
1,3-dimethylbicyclo[3.3.1]nonane




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