8.5 NOMENCLATURE OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Organic chemistry deals with millions of 8.5.1 The IUPAC System of Nomenclature compounds. In order to clearly identify A systematic name of an organic compound them, a systematic method of naming has is generally derived by identifying the parent been developed and is known as the IUPAC hydrocarbon and the functional group(s)(International Union of Pure and Applied attached to it. See the example given below.Chemistry) system of nomenclature. In this systematic nomenclature, the names are correlated with the structure such that the reader or listener can deduce the structure from the name. Before the IUPAC system of nomenclature, however, organic compounds were assigned names based on their origin or certain properties. For instance, citric acid is named Reprint 2025-26 organic chemistry – some basic principles and techniques 263 By further using prefixes and suffixes, the In order to name such compounds, the names parent name can be modified to obtain the of alkyl groups are prefixed to the name of actual name. Compounds containing carbon parent alkane. An alkyl group is derived and hydrogen only are called hydrocarbons. from a saturated hydrocarbon by removing A hydrocarbon is termed saturated if it a hydrogen atom from carbon. Thus, CH4 contains only carbon-carbon single bonds. becomes -CH3 and is called methyl group. An The IUPAC name for a homologous series of alkyl group is named by substituting ‘yl’ for such compounds is alkane. Paraffin (Latin: ‘ane’ in the corresponding alkane. Some alkyl little affinity) was the earlier name given to groups are listed in Table 8.3. these compounds. Unsaturated hydrocarbons Table 8.3 Some Alkyl Groups are those, which contain at least one carbon- carbon double or triple bond. 8.5.2 IUPAC Nomenclature of Alkanes Straight chain hydrocarbons: The names of such compounds are based on their chain structure, and end with suffix ‘-ane’ and carry a prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms present in the chain (except from CH4 to C4H10, where the prefixes are derived from trivial names). The IUPAC names of some straight chain saturated hydrocarbons are Abbreviations are used for some alkylgiven in Table 8.2. The alkanes in Table groups. For example, methyl is abbreviated as 8.2 differ from each other by merely the Me, ethyl as Et, propyl as Pr and butyl as Bu. number of -CH2 groups in the chain. They are The alkyl groups can be branched also. Thus, homologues of alkane series. propyl and butyl groups can have branched Table 8.2 IUPAC Names of Some Unbranched structures as shown below. Saturated Hydrocarbons CH3-CH- CH3-CH2-CH- CH3-CH-CH2-    CH3 CH3 CH3 Isopropyl- sec-Butyl- Isobutyl- CH3 CH3   CH3-C- CH3-C-CH2-   CH3 CH3 tert-Butyl- Neopentyl- Branched chain hydrocarbons: In a Common branched groups have specific branched chain compound small chains of trivial names. For example, the propyl groups carbon atoms are attached at one or more can either be n-propyl group or isopropyl carbon atoms of the parent chain. The small group. The branched butyl groups are called carbon chains (branches) are called alkyl sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl group. groups. For example: We also encounter the structural unit, –CH2C(CH3)3, which is called neopentyl group. CH3–CH–CH2–CH3 CH3–CH–CH2–CH–CH3    Nomenclature of branched chain alkanes: We encounter a number of branched chain CH3 CH2CH3 CH3 alkanes. The rules for naming them are given (a) (b) below. Reprint 2025-26 264 chemistry 1. First of all, the longest carbon chain in separated from the groups by hyphens the molecule is identified. In the example and there is no break between methyl (I) given below, the longest chain has nine and nonane.] carbons and it is considered as the parent 4. If two or more identical substituent or root chain. Selection of parent chain as groups are present then the numbers shown in (II) is not correct because it has are separated by commas. The names of only eight carbons. identical substituents are not repeated, instead prefixes such as di (for 2), tri (for 3), tetra (for 4), penta (for 5), hexa (for 6) etc. are used. While writing the name of the substituents in alphabetical order, these prefixes, however, are not considered. Thus, the following compounds are named as: CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3     CH3-CH-CH2-CH-CH3 CH3 C CH2CH CH3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 2,4-Dimethylpentane 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane2. The carbon atoms of the parent chain are numbered to identify the parent alkane H3C H2C CH3 and to locate the positions of the carbon   atoms at which branching takes place due CH3CH2CHCCH2CH2CH3 to the substitution of alkyl group in place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 of hydrogen atoms. The numbering is CH3 done in such a way that the branched 3-Ethyl-4,4-dimethylheptane carbon atoms get the lowest possible numbers. Thus, the numbering in the 5. If the two substituents are found in above example should be from left to right equivalent positions, the lower number (branching at carbon atoms 2 and 6) and is given to the one coming first in the not from right to left (giving numbers alphabetical listing. Thus, the following 4 and 8 to the carbon atoms at which compound is 3-ethyl-6-methyloctane and branches are attached). not 6-ethyl-3-methyloctane. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C  C  C  C  C  C  C  C  C   CH3 — CH2—CH—CH2—CH2—CH—CH2 —CH3   C CC CH2CH3 CH3 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 C  C  C  C  C  C  C  C  C 6. The branched alkyl groups can be   named by following the above mentioned C C  C procedures. However, the carbon atom 3. The names of alkyl groups attached of the branch that attaches to the root as a branch are then prefixed to the alkane is numbered 1 as exemplified name of the parent alkane and position below. of the substituents is indicated by the 4 3 2 1 appropriate numbers. If different alkyl CH3–CH–CH2–CH– groups are present, they are listed in alphabetical order. Thus, name for the   compound shown above is: 6-ethyl-2- CH3 CH3 1,3-Dimethylbutyl- methylnonane. [Note: the numbers are Reprint 2025-26 organic chemistry – some basic principles and techniques 265 The name of such branched chain alkyl group Cyclic Compounds: A saturated monocyclic is placed in parenthesis while naming the compound is named by prefixing ‘cyclo’ to the compound. While writing the trivial names corresponding straight chain alkane. If side of substituents’ in alphabetical order, the chains are present, then the rules given above prefixes iso- and neo- are considered to be are applied. Names of some cyclic compounds the part of the fundamental name of alkyl are given below. group. The prefixes sec- and tert- are not considered to be the part of the fundamental name. The use of iso and related common prefixes for naming alkyl groups is also allowed by the IUPAC nomenclature as long as these are not further substituted. In multi- substituted compounds, the following rules may aso be remembered: • If there happens to be two chains of equal size, then that chain is to be selected which contains more number of side chains. 3-Ethyl-1,1-dimethylcyclohexane • After selection of the chain, numbering (not 1-ethyl-3,3-dimethylcyclohexane) is to be done from the end closer to the substituent. Problem 8.7 Structures and IUPAC names of some hydrocarbons are given below. Explain why the names given in the parentheses are incorrect. 2,5,6- Trimethyloctane [and not 3,4,7-Trimethyloctane] 5-(2-Ethylbutyl)-3,3-dimethyldecane [and not 5-(2,2-Dimethylbutyl)-3-ethyldecane] 3-Ethyl-5-methylheptane [and not 5-Ethyl-3-methylheptane] Solution (a) Lowest locant number, 2,5,6 is lower than 3,5,7, (b) substituents are 5-sec-Butyl-4-isopropyldecane in equivalent position; lower number is given to the one that comes first in the name according to alphabetical order. 8.5.3 N o m e n c l a t u r e o f O r g a n i c Compounds having Functional Group(s) A functional group, as defined earlier, is an atom or a group of atoms bonded together in 5-(2,2-Dimethylpropyl)nonane a unique manner which is usually the site of Reprint 2025-26 266 chemistry chemical reactivity in an organic molecule. class suffix. In such cases the full name of the Compounds having the same functional parent alkane is written before the class suffix. group undergo similar reactions. For example, For example CH2(OH)CH2(OH) is named as CH3OH, CH3CH2OH, and (CH3)2CHOH — ethane–1,2–diol. However, the ending – ne of all having -OH functional group liberate the parent alkane is dropped in the case of hydrogen on reaction with sodium metal. compounds having more than one double or The presence of functional groups enables triple bond; for example, CH2=CH-CH=CH2 is systematisation of organic compounds into named as buta–1,3–diene. different classes. Examples of some functional groups with their prefixes and suffixes along Problem 8.8 with some examples of organic compounds Write the IUPAC names of the compounds possessing these are given in Table 8.4. i-iv from their given structures. First of all, the functional group present in the molecule is identified which determines the choice of appropriate suffix. The longest chain of carbon atoms containing the functional group is numbered in such a way Solutionthat the functional group is attached at the carbon atom possessing lowest possible • The functional group present is an number in the chain. By using the suffix as alcohol (OH). Hence the suffix is ‘-ol’. given in Table 8.4, the name of the compound • The longest chain containing -OH is arrived at. has eight carbon atoms. Hence the In the case of polyfunctional compounds, corresponding saturated hydrocar- one of the functional groups is chosen as the bon is octane. principal functional group and the compound • The -OH is on carbon atom 3. In is then named on that basis. The remaining addition, a methyl group is attached functional groups, which are subordinate at 6th carbon. functional groups, are named as substituents Hence, the systematic name of this using the appropriate prefixes. The choice of compound is 6-Methyloctan-3-ol. principal functional group is made on the basis of order of preference. The order of decreasing priority for some functional groups is: -COOH, –SO3H, -COOR (R=alkyl group), COCl, -CONH2, -CN,-HC=O, >C=O, -OH, -NH2, > C=C<, -C≡C- . Solution The –R, C6H5-, halogens (F, Cl, Br, I), –NO2, The functional group present is ketone alkoxy (–OR) etc. are always prefix (>C=O), hence suffix ‘-one’. Presence substituents. Thus, a compound containing of two keto groups is indicated by ‘di’, both an alcohol and a keto group is named hence suffix becomes ‘dione’. The two as hydroxyalkanone since the keto group is keto groups are at carbons 2 and 4. preferred to the hydroxyl group. The longest chain contains 6 carbon For example, HOCH2(CH2)3CH2COCH3 will atoms, hence, parent hydrocarbon is be named as 7-hydroxyheptan-2-one and not hexane. Thus, the systematic name is as 2-oxoheptan -7-ol. Similarly, BrCH2CH=CH2 Hexane-2,4-dione. is named as 3-bromoprop-1-ene and not 1-bromoprop-2-ene. If more than one functional group of the same type are present, their number is indicated by adding di, tri, etc. before the Reprint 2025-26 organic chemistry – some basic principles and techniques 267 Table 8.4 Some Functional Groups and Classes of Organic Compounds Reprint 2025-26 268 chemistry Solution (iii) Six membered ring containing a carbon-carbon double bond is implied Here, two functional groups namely by cyclohexene, which is numbered as ketone and carboxylic acid are present. shown in (I). The prefix 3-nitro means The principal functional group is the that a nitro group is present on C-3. carboxylic acid group; hence the parent Thus, complete structural formula of the chain will be suffixed with ‘oic’ acid. compound is (II). Double bond is suffixed Numbering of the chain starts from functional group whereas NO2 is prefixed carbon of – COOH functional group. functional group therefore double bond The keto group in the chain at carbon gets preference over –NO2 group: 5 is indicated by ‘oxo’. The longest chain including the principal functional group has 6 carbon atoms; hence the parent hydrocarbon is hexane. The compound is, therefore, named as 5-Oxohexanoic acid. (iv) ‘1-ol’ means that a -OH group is Solution present at C-1. OH is suffixed functional The two C=C functional groups are group and gets preference over C=C present at carbon atoms 1 and 3, while bond. Thus the structure is as shown the C≡C functional group is present at in (II): carbon 5. These groups are indicated by suffixes ‘diene’ and ‘yne’ respectively. The longest chain containing the functional groups has 6 carbon atoms; hence the parent hydrocarbon is hexane. The name of compound, therefore, is Hexa-1,3- dien-5-yne. (v) ‘heptanal’ indicates the compound Problem 8.9 to be an aldehyde containing 7 carbon Derive the structure of (i) 2-Chlorohexane, atoms in the parent chain. The (ii) Pent-4-en-2-ol, (iii) 3- Nitrocyclohexene, ‘6-hydroxy’ indicates that -OH group is (iv) Cyclohex-2-en-1-ol, (v) 6-Hydroxy- present at carbon 6. Thus, the structural heptanal. formula of the compound is: CH3CH(OH) Solution CH2CH2CH2CH2CHO. Carbon atom of – CHO group is included while numbering (i) ‘hexane’ indicates the presence of the carbon chain. 6 carbon atoms in the chain. The functional group chloro is present at carbon 2. Hence, the structure of the 8.5.4 Nomenclature of Substituted compound is CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(Cl)CH3. Benzene Compounds (ii) ‘pent’ indicates that parent For IUPAC nomenclature of substituted hydrocarbon contains 5 carbon atoms benzene compounds, the substituent is in the chain. ‘en’ and ‘ol’ correspond to placed as prefix to the word benzene as shown the functional groups C=C and -OH at in the following examples. However, common carbon atoms 4 and 2 respectively. Thus, names (written in bracket below) of many the structure is substituted benzene compounds are also CH2=CHCH2CH (OH)CH3. universally used. Reprint 2025-26 organic chemistry – some basic principles and techniques 269 Substituent of the base compound is assigned number1 and then the direction of numbering is chosen such that the next substituent gets the lowest number. The substituents appear in the name in Methylbenzene Methoxybenzene Aminobenzene alphabetical order. Some examples are given (Toluene) (Anisole) (Aniline) below. Nitrobenzene Bromobenzene 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (not 4-chloro,1,3-dinitrobenzene) If benzene ring is disubstituted, the position of substituents is defined by numbering the carbon atoms of the ring such that the substituents are located at the lowest numbers possible. For example, the compound(b) is named as 1,3-dibromobenzene and not as 1,5-dibromobenzene. 2-Chloro-1-methyl-4-nitrobenzene (not 4-methyl-5-chloro-nitrobenzene) (a) (b) (c) 1,2-Dibromo- 1,3-Dibromo- 1,4-Dibromo- benzene benzene benzene In the trivial system of nomenclature 2-Chloro-4-methylanisole 4-Ethyl-2-methylanilinethe terms ortho (o), meta (m) and para (p) are used as prefixes to indicate the relative positions 1,2;1,3 and 1,4 respectively. Thus, 1,3-dibromobenzene (b) is named as m-dibromobenzene (meta is abbreviated as m-) and the other isomers of dibromobenzene 1,2-(a) and 1,4-(c), are named as ortho (or just o-) and para (or just p-)-dibromobenzene, respectively. For tri - or higher substituted benzene 3,4-Dimethylphenol derivatives, these prefixes cannot be used and the compounds are named by identifying When a benzene ring is attached to an substituent positions on the ring by following alkane with a functional group, it is considered the lowest locant rule. In some cases, common as substituent, instead of a parent. The name name of benzene derivatives is taken as the for benzene as substituent is phenyl (C6H5-, base compound. also abbreviated as Ph). Reprint 2025-26 270 chemistry different carbon skeletons, these are referred Problem 8.10 to as chain isomers and the phenomenon is Write the structural formula of: termed as chain isomerism. For example, (a) o-Ethylanisole, (b) p-Nitroaniline, C5H12 represents three compounds: (c) 2,3 - Dibromo -1 - phenylpentane, (d) 4-Ethyl-1-fluoro-2-nitrobenzene. CH3  Solution CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3 CH3−CHCH2CH3 Pentane Isopentane (2-Methylbutane) CH3  CH3 C CH3 (a) (b)  CH3 Neopentane (2,2-Dimethylpropane) (ii) Position isomerism: When two or more compounds differ in the position of (c) (d) substituent atom or functional group on the carbon skeleton, they are called position

8.2 Name the following compounds according to IUPAC system of nomenclature: (i) CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH2CHO (ii) CH3CH2COCH(C2H5)CH2CH2Cl (iii) CH3CH=CHCHO (iv) CH3COCH2COCH3 (v) CH3CH(CH3)CH2C(CH3)2COCH3 (vi) (CH3)3CCH2COOH (vii) OHCC6H4CHO-p

9.4 Alkynes 1 2 3 4 5 Like alkenes, alkynes are also unsaturated II. H3C–C≡ C– CH2– CH3 Pent–2-yne hydrocarbons. They contain at least one triple 4 3 2 1 bond between two carbon atoms. The number III. H3C–CH–C≡ CH 3-Methyl but–1-yne |of hydrogen atoms is still less in alkynes as CH3compared to alkenes or alkanes. Their general Structures I and II are position isomers formula is CnH2n–2. and structures I and III or II and III are chain The first stable member of alkyne series isomers. is ethyne which is popularly known as acetylene. Acetylene is used for arc welding Problem 9.13 purposes in the form of oxyacetylene flame Write structures of different isomers obtained by mixing acetylene with oxygen corresponding to the 5 th member of gas. Alkynes are starting materials for a large alkyne series. Also write IUPAC names of number of organic compounds. Hence, it all the isomers. What type of isomerism is interesting to study this class of organic is exhibited by different pairs of isomers? compounds. Solution 9.4.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism th 5 member of alkyne has the molecular In common system, alkynes are named as formula C6H10. The possible isomers are: derivatives of acetylene. In IUPAC system, they Table 9.2 Common and IUPAC Names of Alkynes (CnH2n–2) Value of n Formula Structure Common name IUPAC name 2 C2H2 H-C≡CH Acetylene Ethyne 3 C3H4 CH3-C≡CH Methylacetylene Propyne 4 C4H6 CH3CH2-C≡CH Ethylacetylene But-1-yne 4 C4H6 CH3-C≡C-CH3 Dimethylacetylene But-2-yne Reprint 2025-26 Hydrocarbons 315 (a) HC ≡ C – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3 Hex-1-yne (b) CH3 – C ≡ C – CH2 – CH2 – CH3 Hex-2-yne (c) CH3 – CH2 – C ≡ C – CH2– CH3 Hex-3-yne 3-Methylpent-1-yne 4-Methylpent-1-yne 4-Methylpent-2-yne Fig. 9.6 Orbital picture of ethyne showing (a) sigma overlaps (b) pi overlaps. orbitals of the other carbon atom, which undergo lateral or sideways overlapping to 3,3-Dimethylbut-1-yne form two pi (π) bonds between two carbon atoms. Thus ethyne molecule consists of one Position and chain isomerism shown by C–C σ bond, two C–H σ bonds and two C–C different pairs. π bonds. The strength of C≡C bond (bond enthalpy 823 kJ mol -1) is more than those 9.4.2 Structure of Triple Bond of C=C bond (bond enthalpy 681 kJ mol –1) Ethyne is the simplest molecule of alkyne and C–C bond (bond enthalpy 348 kJ mol–1). series. Structure of ethyne is shown in The C≡C bond length is shorter (120 pm) Fig. 9.6. than those of C=C (133 pm) and C–C (154 pm). Electron cloud between two carbon Each carbon atom of ethyne has two sp atoms is cylindrically symmetrical about thehybridised orbitals. Carbon-carbon sigma (σ) internuclear axis. Thus, ethyne is a linear bond is obtained by the head-on overlapping molecule. of the two sp hybridised orbitals of the two carbon atoms. The remaining sp hybridised 9.4.3 Preparation orbital of each carbon atom undergoes 1. From calcium carbide: On industrial overlapping along the internuclear axis with scale, ethyne is prepared by treating the 1s orbital of each of the two hydrogen calcium carbide with water. Calcium atoms forming two C-H sigma bonds. carbide is prepared by heating quick lime H-C-C bond angle is of 180°. Each carbon with coke. Quick lime can be obtained byhas two unhybridised p orbitals which are heating limestone as shown in the followingperpendicular to each other as well as to the reactions:plane of the C-C sigma bond. The 2p orbitals of one carbon atom are parallel to the 2p CaCO3 ∆ CaO + O2 (9.55) Reprint 2025-26 316 chemistry CaO + 3C CaC2 + CO (9.56) the sp hybridised carbon2 atoms whereas they are attached to sp hybridised carbon Calcium 3 atoms in ethene and sp hybridised carbons carbide in ethane. Due to the maximum percentage of CaC2 + 2H2O Ca(OH)2 + C2H2 (9.57) s character (50%), the sp hybridised orbitals of carbon atoms in ethyne molecules have2. From vicinal dihalides : Vicinal dihalides highest electronegativity; hence, these attract on treatment with alcoholic potassium the shared electron pair of the C-H bond of hydroxide undergo dehydrohalogenation. ethyne to a greater extent than that of the One molecule of hydrogen halide is 2 sp hybridised orbitals of carbon in ethene eliminated to form alkenyl halide which 3 and the sp hybridised orbital of carbon in on treatment with sodamide gives alkyne. ethane. Thus in ethyne, hydrogen atoms can be liberated as protons more easily as compared to ethene and ethane. Hence, hydrogen atoms of ethyne attached to triply bonded carbon atom are acidic in nature. You may note that the hydrogen atoms attached to the triply bonded carbons are acidic but not all the hydrogen atoms of alkynes. HC ≡ CH + Na → HC ≡ C–Na++ 1/2 H2 9.4.4 Properties Monosodium Physical properties ethynide Physical properties of alkynes follow the same (9.59) trend of alkenes and alkanes. First three HC ≡ C– Na + Na → Na+ C–Na+ ≡ C–Na++ 1/2 H2members are gases, the next eight are liquids and the higher ones are solids. All alkynes Disodium ethynide are colourless. Ethyene has characteristic (9.60)odour. Other members are odourless. Alkynes are weakly polar in nature. They are lighter CH3 – C ≡ C – H + Na+ NH–2 than water and immiscible with water but ↓ soluble in organic solvents like ethers, carbon CH3 – C ≡ C– Na+ + NH3 tetrachloride and benzene. Their melting Sodium propynide (9.61) point, boiling point and density increase with These reactions are not shown by alkenesincrease in molar mass. and alkanes, hence used for distinction Chemical properties between alkynes, alkenes and alkanes. What Alkynes show acidic nature, addition reactions about the above reactions with but-1-yne and and polymerisation reactions as follows : but-2-yne ? Alkanes, alkenes and alkynes A. Acidic character of alkyne: Sodium follow the following trend in their acidic metal and sodamide (NaNH2) are strong behaviour : bases. They react with ethyne to form sodium i) CH ≡ CH > H2C – CH2 > CH3 –CH3acetylide with the liberation of dihydrogen gas. These reactions have not been observed ii) HC ≡ CH > CH3 –C≡ CH >> CH3 –C≡C–CH3in case of ethene and ethane thus indicating that ethyne is acidic in nature in comparison B. Addition reactions: Alkynes contain a to ethene and ethane. Why is it so ? Has triple bond, so they add up, two molecules of it something to do with their structures dihydrogen, halogen, hydrogen halides etc. and the hybridisation ? You have read that Formation of the addition product takes place hydrogen atoms in ethyne are attached to according to the following steps. Reprint 2025-26 Hydrocarbons 317 The addition product formed depends upon stability of vinylic cation. Addition in unsymmetrical alkynes takes place according to Markovnikov rule. Majority of the reactions of alkynes are the examples of electrophilic addition reactions. A few addition reactions (9.66)are given below: (i) Addition of dihydrogen (iv) Addition of water Pt/Pd/Ni H2 Like alkanes and alkenes, alkynes are alsoHC≡CH+H2 [H2C = CH2] CH3–CH3 immiscible and do not react with water. (9.62) However, one molecule of water adds to alkynes on warming with mercuric sulphate CH3–C≡CH + H2 Pt/Pd/Ni [CH3–CH=CH2] and dilute sulphuric acid at 333 K to form Propyne Propene carbonyl compounds. ↓H2 CH3–CH2–CH3 Propane (9.63) (ii) Addition of halogens (9.67) (9.64) Reddish orange colour of the solution of bromine in carbon tetrachloride is decolourised. This is used as a test for unsaturation. (iii) Addition of hydrogen halides (9.68) Two molecules of hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, (v) Polymerisation HI) add to alkynes to form gem dihalides (in (a) Linear polymerisation: Under suitable which two halogens are attached to the same conditions, linear polymerisation of ethyne carbon atom) takes place to produce polyacetylene or H–C≡C–H+H–Br [CH2 = CH–Br]→ CHBr2 polyethyne which is a high molecular Bromoethene weight polyene containing repeating units of CH3 (CH = CH – CH = CH ) and can be represented 1,1-Dibromoethane as —(CH = CH – CH = CH)n— Under special (9.65) conditions, this polymer conducts electricity. Reprint 2025-26 318 chemistry Thin film of polyacetylene can be used as but in a majority of reactions of aromatic electrodes in batteries. These films are good compounds, the unsaturation of benzene ring conductors, lighter and cheaper than the is retained. However, there are examples of metal conductors. aromatic hydrocarbons which do not contain a (b) Cyclic polymerisation: Ethyne on benzene ring but instead contain other highly unsaturated ring. Aromatic compoundspassing through red hot iron tube at 873K containing benzene ring are known asundergoes cyclic polymerization. Three benzenoids and those not containing amolecules polymerise to form benzene, which benzene ring are known as non-benzenoids.is the starting molecule for the preparation of Some examples of arenes are givenderivatives of benzene, dyes, drugs and large below:number of other organic compounds. This is the best route for entering from aliphatic to aromatic compounds as discussed below: Benzene Toluene Naphthalene (9.69) Biphenyl Problem 9.14 How will you convert ethanoic acid into 9.5.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism benzene? The nomenclature and isomerism of aromatic Solution hydrocarbons has already been discussed in Unit 8. All six hydrogen atoms in benzene are equivalent; so it forms one and only one type of monosubstituted product. When two hydrogen atoms in benzene are replaced by two similar or different monovalent atoms or groups, three different position isomers are possible. The 1, 2 or 1, 6 is known as the ortho (o–), the 1, 3 or 1, 5 as meta (m–) and the 1, 4 as para (p–) disubstituted compounds. A few examples of derivatives of benzene are given below: