Stem Names

Organic Nomenclature
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Stem Names
Prefixes and Suffixes
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The table below will help you name the trunk of the compound based on the number of carbon atoms it contains. You must add the appropriate suffix for the class of compound to the stem names listed here. To return to your place in Organic Nomenclature, move to the other browser window or close this window.

Number of Carbon Atoms
in the Trunk

Stem Name
1
meth-
2
eth-
3
prop-
4
but-
5
pent-
6
hex-
7
hept-
8
oct-
9
non-
10
dec-

Example: An alkane with four carbon atoms in its trunk would have the stem name "butane".