Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

What Is the IUPAC Name of CH₃CH₂CN?

Verified Answer

The IUPAC name of CH₃CH₂CN is propanenitrile (or propionitrile as a common name).

IUPAC Naming Process:

Structure Analysis:

  • CH₃CH₂CN
  • 3-carbon chain including the nitrile carbon
  • Nitrile functional group (-C≡N)

Naming Steps:

  1. Count the longest carbon chain including the nitrile carbon: 3 carbons
  2. Base name from 3 carbons: propane
  3. Replace "-e" with "-nitrile" suffix
  4. Result: propanenitrile

Alternative Names:

  • Propionitrile (common name, still widely used)
  • Ethyl cyanide (older common name)
  • Cyanoethane (functional group naming)

Formula Breakdown:

  • CH₃-CH₂-C≡N
  • Ethyl group attached to cyanide group
  • Molecular formula: C₃H₅N

Key Takeaways:

  • IUPAC name: propanenitrile
  • Common name: propionitrile
  • 3-carbon nitrile compound
  • Functional group: -CN (nitrile/cyano)