Wolfram Function Repository

Instant-use add-on functions for the Wolfram Language

Function Repository Resource:

 AlkaneName

Source Notebook

Generate the name of the straight-chain alkane with the specified number of carbon atoms

Contributed by: Jan Mangaldan

ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"][n]

gives the name of the straight-chain alkane with n carbon atoms.

Details

An alkane is an acyclic branched or unbranched hydrocarbon satisfying the general formula CnH2n+2, and therefore consisting entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms.
Straight-chain alkanes are also referred to as unbranched alkanes.
ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"] uses the numerical terms recommended by the IUPAC.

Examples

Basic Examples (1) 

Name the straight-chain alkane with 468 carbon atoms:

In[1]:=
ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"][468]
Out[1]=

Scope (2) 

Some special cases:

In[2]:=
ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"] /@ Range[4]
Out[2]=

Name a large alkane:

In[3]:=
ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"][4321]
Out[3]=

Applications (1) 

Convert the result of AlkaneName to a Molecule:

In[4]:=
Molecule[ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"][189]]
Out[4]=

Possible Issues (1) 

AlkaneName only works for n<9999:

In[5]:=
ResourceFunction["AlkaneName"][10000]
Out[5]=

Version History

  • 1.0.0 – 19 July 2021

Source Metadata

  • Citation:
    • Lozac'h, N., "Extension of Rules A-1.1 and A-2.5 concerning numerical terms used in organic chemical nomenclature (Recommendations 1986)." Pure and Applied Chemistry, vol. 58, no. 12, 1693–1696, 1986. DOI: 10.1351/pac198658121693

Related Resources

License Information