There is a strict set of rules for naming organic compounds known as the IUPAC rules.

If you follow these rules, you should be able to name most organic molecules that come your way.

1. Identify the longest carbon chain. This is called the parent chain. Use the prefixes to name your chain with the suffix that matches the functional group on this chain.

2. Identify all the side chains coming off the parent chain. Side chains which just contain of single bonded carbons and hydrogens will get the prefix '-yl'.

3. Number the the carbons on the parent chain. The lowest number will go to either the carbon which has the main functional group attached to it or the carbon on the end closest to a side chain. If two or more side chains are in equivalent positions, assign the lowest number to the side chain which is alphabetically first.

4. If a side chain appears more than once use a the prefixes di (2), tri (3), tetra (4).

5. To finalise your name the side chains are written before the parent chain. The side chains are labelled with their position on the parent chain. If the parent chain has a special function group, make sure to list the number carbon the functional group lands on. Commas are use between numbers and dashes are used between numbers and letters.

See the video section for a video walk through of this!