Draw any organic molecule using the interactive editor and get the correct IUPAC name instantly.
IUPAC nomenclature is the internationally standardized system for naming chemical compounds, established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Mastering systematic naming is foundational for all levels of organic chemistry, from AP Chemistry through university-level courses and competitive chemistry examinations.
The IUPAC name of an organic compound is built hierarchically. First, identify the longest continuous carbon chain — this gives the parent chain name (methane, ethane, propane... up to decane for 10 carbons). Then identify all substituents branching off the parent chain, number the chain to give substituents the lowest possible locants, and list substituents alphabetically with their locant numbers before the parent chain name.
Functional groups have strict naming priorities. Carboxylic acids (−COOH) take highest priority and are indicated by the suffix "-oic acid." Then come esters (-oate), amides (-amide), aldehydes (-al), ketones (-one), alcohols (-ol), and amines (-amine). When multiple functional groups are present, the highest-priority group determines the suffix; all others are cited as prefixes. This priority hierarchy is explicitly tested in both USNCO local and national exams.
Alkenes require the "en" suffix and a locant indicating the position of the double bond (e.g., but-1-ene vs. but-2-ene). Geometric isomers around double bonds are designated E (entgegen, "opposite") and Z (zusammen, "together") using CIP priority rules — superseding the older cis/trans notation in modern IUPAC nomenclature. Alkynes receive the "yn" suffix.
Cyclic compounds are named with the prefix "cyclo" before the parent chain name (e.g., cyclohexane, cyclopentanone). Aromatic compounds are often named as benzene derivatives; when benzene is a substituent, it becomes "phenyl."
This IUPAC naming engine lets you draw any organic molecule interactively and receive the correct systematic name with full step-by-step reasoning — invaluable for exam preparation and self-study.