Nonane

Since the 1913 edition of Webster's dictionary, the nomenclature of hydrocarbons has become more specific in regards to structure. Nonane is now specifically a string of nine linked carbon atoms, like so:

  H H H H H H H H H
  | | | | | | | | |
H-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-H
  | | | | | | | | |
  H H H H H H H H H

Other forms of C9H20 are not considered nonane, but are identified by naming the longest string of carbon atoms, then referencing the branches off of them, as in 2-methyl octane, below:

  H H H H H H H H
  | | | | | | | |
H-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-H
  | | | | | | | |
  H | H H H H H H
  H-C-H
    |
    H

Non"ane (?), n. [L. nonus ninth.] Chem.

One of a group of metameric hydrocarbons C9H20 of the paraffin series; -- so called because of the nine carbon atoms in the molecule. Normal nonane is a colorless volatile liquid, an ingredient of ordinary kerosene.

 

© Webster 1913.