Numbering

[Nicole Gamboa 2M]

Hi All,
When you are numbering, why do you always need to start at one of the ends for an alkane? If the alkane has side chains that would have a lowering number system, why can't you start numbering on the side chain?
Thanks!

[kane_jajieh_3F]

if you started numbering on the side chain you would et a different name for the molecule. Starting the numbering with the longest chain just provides scientists a basic and standard way to name these molecules

[kane_jajieh_3F]

And if you started numbering on the side chains you would have to devise a whole new way of naming compounds to keep all the names standard