Numbering carbon atoms

[Marc Farah 3D]

For numbering the carbon atoms for cycloalkanes. Why do we not find the longest chain and start with that as opposed to just counting the ring structure

[Alexander Chen 3N]

I'm not sure if I am understanding your question, but we do look for the longest chain even if there is a cycloalkane. For example, if there is a decane with a cyclopropane attached to the 2nd carbon, it would be called 2-cyclopropyl-decane.

Let me know if you have more questions or if I misunderstood your question!