In organic chemistry, the systematic naming of compounds is crucial for clear communication among chemists. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) established a set of rules for this purpose. The process begins with identifying the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. Once determined, the chain is numbered from one end to the other to assign the lowest possible number to functional groups. This step is vital, as it influences the compound's name. For instance, the simplest alkane, methane (CH₄), is named based on this longest carbon chain principle. When functional groups or substituents are present, specific prefixes and suffixes are added to the name according to their types. Examples include Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), where the 'ol' suffix indicates an alcohol; and Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), where the 'oic acid' suffix denotes a carboxylic acid. Understanding these IUPAC rules allows for the clear and unambiguous naming of countless organic compounds.