Strange prefixes, cyclic compounds and mashups

Today we learned some old prefixes that are often used as descriptors, especially on small molecules. These were "sec", "iso", "n" and "tert". All of these are ways of describing the organization of molecules (as different constitutional isomers). Although not as "official" as using IUPAC's numbered system, such prefixes are commonly used and we will have to come to grips with that.

We also looked at cyclic compounds and saw how we can have isomerism that is dependent on which side of the plan described by the ring contains substituents. If two substituents are on opposite sides of the plane we use the term trans, the same side leads to cis. We also mentioned that ring strain is an important factor, with small rings (three and four members) being unstable due to distortion away from the desired 109.5° angles.

The last topic was my latest obsession -- mashups -- and the first group mashup project has been posted. The link is to the left.

There is also a new problem set (#2), dealing with naming substituted alkanes.

Also, the problem with uploading podcasts has been solved and the second resonance podcast has been put in place.

The picture is of a strange thing someone did with mashed potatoes -- a mashed potato mashup, if you will.