How would I draw the structure for (3e,5z)-6-bromo-3-fluoro-3,5-nonadiene? I drew out the main chain of 9 C's, fluoride on 3, double bond between 3 and 4, double bond between 5 and 6, bromide extending out from 6. I understanding E is Trans (priorities opposite) and Z is cis (priorities same direction) but this is particularly confusing. Please help!!

To draw the structure for (3e,5z)-6-bromo-3-fluoro-3,5-nonadiene, follow these steps:

Step 1: Draw the main chain of 9 carbons.
Start by drawing a straight line to represent the main chain of 9 carbon atoms. Label the carbons from 1 to 9.

Step 2: Add the functional groups.
Add the bromine (Br) atom to carbon number 6, and the fluorine (F) atom to carbon number 3.

Step 3: Add the double bond(s).
Since the compound has a (3e,5z) configuration, that means there is a double bond between carbons 3 and 4 (cis configuration), as well as a double bond between carbons 5 and 6 (trans configuration).

Step 4: Determine cis/trans configuration.
To determine the positions of the substituents on each double bond (cis or trans), you need to analyze the priorities of the substituents on each carbon atom.

For carbon 3:
Compare the atomic numbers of the atoms directly bonded to carbon 3. Since fluorine (atomic number 9) has a higher priority than hydrogen (atomic number 1), the substituent on carbon 3 is on the higher priority side. Therefore, the substiuents are cis.

For carbon 5:
Compare the atomic numbers of the atoms directly bonded to carbon 5. Since bromine (atomic number 35) has a higher priority than hydrogen (atomic number 1), the substituent on carbon 5 is on the higher priority side. Therefore, the substiuents are trans.

Step 5: Complete the naming.
Finally, label the remaining hydrogens on each carbon atom to complete the structure. The name for this compound is (3e,5z)-6-bromo-3-fluoro-3,5-nonadiene.

Remember to always apply the rules for naming priority groups (e.g., halogens have higher priority) and determining cis/trans configurations (using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system) to ensure accurate structure drawing.