Organic Chemistry Functional Groups

Alcoholic Group

The alcoholic group is a functional group in organic chemistry that consists of a hydroxyl (-OH) atom bonded to a carbon atom.

Hydroxyl (-OH)

• A hydroxyl group is a functional group that consists of a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom
• It is a polar group, making the molecule more soluble in water
• Hydroxyl groups are responsible for the formation of hydrogen bonds, which are important in biological systems
• Examples of compounds with hydroxyl groups include alcohols, phenols, and carboxylic acids

Aldehydes

• Aldehydes are a type of organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom
• The general formula for an aldehyde is RCHO, where R is a hydrocarbon chain
• Aldehydes are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, making them soluble in water
• Examples of aldehydes include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzaldehyde

Ketones

• Ketones are a type of organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two hydrocarbon chains
• The general formula for a ketone is RCOR', where R and R' are hydrocarbon chains
• Ketones are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, making them soluble in water
• Examples of ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and cyclohexanone

Carboxyl (-COOH)

• A carboxyl group is a functional group that consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH)
• The general formula for a carboxyl group is -COOH
• Carboxyl groups are acidic and can donate a proton (H+), making them important in biological systems
• Examples of compounds with carboxyl groups include carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid and citric acid

Ester

• An ester is a type of organic compound that is formed by the reaction of a carboxyl group with an alcohol
• The general formula for an ester is RCOOR', where R and R' are hydrocarbon chains
• Esters are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, making them soluble in water
• Examples of esters include ethyl acetate, methyl salicylate, and triglycerides (fats and oils)