Why do some alkyl groups have an n- prefix?

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Why do some alkyl groups have an n- prefix?

Like n-propyl or n-butyl.

2007-11-05 10:13:16 · 2 answers · asked by Melissa 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

the n means they are a "straight" chain - meaning the carbon atoms form a straight chain WITHOUT any branching of the carbon atoms

if the alkyl group has branching, it will have a prefix like iso- or tert-

2007-11-05 10:18:07 · answer #1 · answered by chem geek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

It means straight-chain, rather than branched.

So n-propyl means a -C3H7 group joined on by its end C atom, not the middle one.

2007-11-05 10:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋