Theory:Nomenclature:Circular Hydrocarbons

Brainchild of Yunzhong Hou

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Cycloalkanes
Rule #1: Denote cyclo- with the cent sign.

Rule #2: Center symbols (the C and the cent signs so far) can only be omitted if either no atoms are being added (discussed later) or if it is a C and forms the first chain (before the first pipeline character).


 * [[Image:4-ethyl-1-methylcyclodecane.jpg|thumb|227px|The cyclo is denoted with the cent sign. Unlike the original C for straight chain hydrocarbons, this cannot be omitted.]]
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Linked Strings
Rule #3: Linked carbon strings (branches of carbon attached to other branches at both ends) have C as the center symbol (unless it's not carbon), the superscript after it denoting number of atoms in the string, the subscript before it denoting the former atom # it is attached to, and the superscript before it denoting the latter atom # it is attached to.

Rule #4: When adding a linked carbon string, the added carbons are numbered in increasing numerical value from the former atom # (subscript) to the latter atom # (superscript).


 * [[Image:UN01.jpg|thumb|227px|Branches linked at both ends are given a subscript and a superscript referring to the connected atom #'s.]]


 * [[Image:UN05.JPG|thumb|227px|There is always one cyclo main. The others are linked onto what comes before them.]]
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Aromatics
Rule #5: Benzene is represented by z and never has a superscript after it. The z cannot be omitted, even if it comes first in the name.


 * [[Image:‎1,3-diethylbenzene.jpg|thumb|227px|Benzene's central character is a z and cannot be omitted.]]
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