Explain the following with suitable examples:
(i) Word root (ii) Prefix (iii) Suffix

(i) Word root:The word root represents the number of the carbon atoms present in the chain. Depending upon the number of carbons in the longest chain, the compound is assigned a word root as:

Chain length	Word root	Chain length	Word root
C₁	Meth	C₆	Hex
C₂	Eth	C₇	Hept
C₃	Prop	C₈	Oct
C₄	But	C₉	Non
C₅	Pent	C₁₀	Dec

(ii) Prefix. There are many groups (called substituents) which are not regarded as functional groups in the IUPAC names of a compound. These are called prefixes. These are put before the word root. Some of the prefixes are given below:

(iii) Suffix: The word root is linked to suffix which may be primary followed by secondary.
(a) Primary suffix: A primary suffix is added after the word root to indicate the nature of carhon-carhon bonds. These are piven below:

Nature of bond	Primary suffix	General name
C–C single bond	–ane	Alkane
C = C double bond	–ene	Alkene
C≡ C triple bond	–yne	Alkyne

(b) Secondary suffix: A secondary suffix is added after the primary suffix to indicate the nature of the functional group. These are given below:

151 Views

Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Hope you found this question and answer to be good. Find many more questions on Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques with answers for your assignments and practice.

Chemistry Part II

Browse through more topics from Chemistry Part II for questions and snapshot.

Explain the following with suitable examples:(i) Word root (ii) Prefix (iii) Suffix

Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Chemistry Part II

Explain the following with suitable examples:
(i) Word root (ii) Prefix (iii) Suffix