Naming Construction
Cycloalkanes are named by prefixing the alkane name with cyclo- (e.g., cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, etc.). They can also be named as cycloalkyl radicals (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl).
Chain Numbering
Number the chain so that the substituents get the lowest possible locants. If there is a tie, the alphabetical order of the substituents is considered.
[1] 1,2-Dimethylcyclopropane
[2] 1-Bromo-3-chloro-2-methylcyclopentane
Cycloalkanes as Substituents
In some cases, it is convenient to consider the cycloalkane as a substituent and the carbon chain as the principal structure.
[3] 2-Cyclobutyl-5-cyclopropylhexane
[4] 4-Cyclopentylpentanol
cis/trans Isomerism
Cycloalkanes exhibit stereoisomerism, and depending on the spatial position of the groups, we can have cis or trans isomers. When substituents are on the same side of the ring, the stereoisomer is called cis, and if they are on opposite sides, it is called trans.
[5] cis-1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane
[6] trans-1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane
