Organic Chemistry Functional Groups Flashcards

Organic Chemistry Functional Groups

• Alcohol: Contains one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a saturated carbon atom. Commonly used in beverages and solvents.

• Aldehyde: Characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom. Found in various compounds, including formaldehyde, and is important in organic synthesis.

• Alkane: A hydrocarbon with only single bonds, following the general formula CnH2n+2. Examples include methane and propane, known for being saturated and non-reactive compared to other hydrocarbons.

• Alkene: Features at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C), following the formula CnH2n. Commonly used in the production of plastics and synthetic rubbers.

• Halide: Contains a carbon atom bonded to one or more halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I). These compounds are widely used in pharmaceuticals and as solvents.

• Alkyne: Contains at least one carbon-carbon triple bond (C≡C), following the formula CnH2n-2. Commonly found in industrial applications, like welding gases.

• Amide: Formed from the reaction of carboxylic acids with amines, featuring a carbonyl group bonded to a nitrogen atom. Important in peptide bond formation in proteins.

• Amine: Derivatives of ammonia with one or more hydrogen atoms replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. These compounds can act as bases and are important in biological molecules.

• Aromatic Compound: Contains one or more aromatic rings characterized by cyclic structure and resonance. Notable examples include benzene, known for stability and unique reactivity.

• Carboxylic Acid: Contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) which includes a carbonyl (C=O) and hydroxyl (OH). Commonly found in organic acids like acetic acid and crucial in biological systems.

• Ester: Formed from the reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. Characterized by the -COO- group and commonly present in fats and oils, contributing to their flavors and fragrances.

• Ether: Contains an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. Known for being relatively unreactive and commonly used as solvents in organic reactions.

• Ketone: Contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, located within a carbon chain. Examples include acetone, used widely as a solvent and nail polish remover.