What does the "N" at the beginning of the name stand for? Tried searching online but I don't think I was using the correct search terms as they weren't very helpful. Thanks!
Aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester)
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N- just specifies where the nitrogen of an amide/amine is in a compound.
For your example, I honestly don't know which N of the 2 in the compound it's referring to, but that is way, way, way beyond the realm of what you need to know for the MCAT.
http://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2010/06/14/9-nomenclature-conventions-to-know/
For your example, I honestly don't know which N of the 2 in the compound it's referring to, but that is way, way, way beyond the realm of what you need to know for the MCAT.
http://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2010/06/14/9-nomenclature-conventions-to-know/
The "N" actually tells you where the substituent following the "N" in the name is attached - namely at the nitrogen. So "N-...aspartyl" tells you that the aspartyl group is attached at the nitrogen atom of the main compound, which is phenylalanine. You should understand this sort of nomenclature for the MCAT even though it's extremely low yield.
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