Neo- vs. Tert-

[giareyes_2B]

When naming hydrocarbons, do the prefixes tert- and neo- mean the same thing? I know neo- is (CH3)3C-, but on page 96 of the course reader the part of the structure named tert- resembles the same formula to me. If they are the same, is there a specific time when we should use either?

[Kathy Vu 3L]

Tert- just implies that there is a carbon attached to 3 other carbons, it does not necessarily have to be (CH3)3C-.

[Kristine_Espinosa_2L]

The way to think of neo is that there are 2 methyl groups apart from the main chain at CH3C-

[Benjamin_Oh_3O]

What about iso? I know it is a common name, but in some of the questions, I saw it was used in IUPAC name....

[Kristine_Espinosa_2L]

for iso- it's similar to neo- but think of it as only ONE methyl group apart from the continuous chain connected at -chch3

[404639305]

neo- and tert- are sometimes used in iupac naming just to make things easier, but using just iupac would be correct as well

[Neha Jonnalagadda 2D]

Tert means that there are three other carbons attached.