Organic functional groups notes

What are functional groups?

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical properties of those molecules.

Alcohol structure

Contains a hydroxyl group (-OH); general formula is R-OH.

True or false: All organic compounds contain functional groups.

False, because some simple hydrocarbons do not contain specific functional groups.

Difference between aldehydes and ketones

Aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain, while ketones have it within the chain.

Carboxylic acid example

An example is acetic acid (CH₃COOH), used in vinegar.

What is a carbonyl group?

A carbonyl group is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, present in aldehydes and ketones.

Fill in the blank: Amines contain a _____ group.

Amines contain an amino group (-NH₂).

What distinguishes esters?

Esters have a carbonyl group adjacent to an ether linkage (-COO-).

True or false: Ethers are more polar than alcohols.

False, because alcohols have hydroxyl groups that increase polarity.

What is an alkane?

An alkane is a hydrocarbon with only single bonds, following the formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

Phosphate group role

Phosphate groups are critical in biochemistry, particularly in nucleic acids and energy transfer (ATP).

Difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons have single bonds, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple bond.

What defines a phenol?

Phenols are aromatic compounds with a hydroxyl group directly bonded to a benzene ring.

True or false: Alkynes contain only single bonds.

False, because alkynes contain at least one triple bond.

What is a thiol?

Thiol compounds contain a sulfhydryl group (-SH) and have distinct odors.

Which functional group is -COOH?

The -COOH group is characteristic of carboxylic acids.

Fill in the blank: The general formula for amines is _____

The general formula is R-NH₂, R-NH, or R₃N.