Reference IUPAC Nomenclature Reference Multiplying Prefixes
Multiplying Prefixes
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When the same substituent appears more than once, use a multiplying prefix. These are not alphabetized — alphabetize by the substituent name itself.
| Count | Prefix |
|---|---|
| 2 | di– |
| 3 | tri– |
| 4 | tetra– |
| 5 | penta– |
| 6 | hexa– |
Example: 2,3-dimethylbutane (two methyl groups, not dimethyl for alphabetization purposes).