Names and formulas of selected Alkyl Groups

Keep in mind that carbon atoms in single bonds rotate freely; therefore, the following structures (and line-bond
formulas) may take a slightly different shape. You should be able to identify these side chains (substituents or
branches) in any organic molecule.

H2
H3 C or methyl H3 C C or ethyl

CH 3

H2 H2 or Isopropyl
H3 C C C or propyl H3 C C
H

CH 3

H2 Isobutyl
H2 H2 H2 or Butyl H3 C C C
or
H 3C C C C H

CH 3

H2 or sec-butyl
H3 C C C
H (secondary butyl)

CH 3

H3 C C or tert-butyl or t-butyl
(tertiary butyl)
CH 3

Substituents with double and triple bonds: (With the exception of Vinyl, you don’t have to memorize them.)

H2
H2 C C or Vinyl H2 C C C or Allyl
H H

H2
HC C or Ethynyl HC C C or Propargyl

Reyes