Functional Groups

Question 1

alkane

Answer 1

Description: only C and H, only single bonds

Example: ethane, CH₃CH₃

Question 2

alkene

Answer 2

Description: only C and H, at least one C=C bond

General structure: R₂C=CR₂

Example: ethene/ ethylene, CH₂=CH₂

Question 3

alkyne

Answer 3

Description: only C and H, at least one C-C triple bond

General structure: R-C_=_C-R

Example: ethyne,

Question 4

haloalkane

(aka alkyl halide)

Answer 4

General description: contains only C and H atoms and at least one halogen (F, Cl, Br, or I)

General structure: R-X

(where X = halogen)

Example: chloromethane, CH₃Cl

Question 5

alcohol

Answer 5

Description: Contains at least one OH that is attached to an alkyl chain

General structure: R-OH

Example: ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH

Note: the C to which the OH is attached can only be bonded to C’s and/or H’s. If that C is attached to any other atom, it is NOT an alcohol, it is a different functional group.

Question 6

thiol

Answer 6

Description: Contains an SH attached to an alkyl chain

General structure: R-SH

Example: ethane thiol, CH₃CH₂SH

Question 7

ether

Answer 7

Description: An oxygen atom singly bonded to two alkyl chains.

General structure: R-O-R, where R is cannot be H

Example: methoxyethane, CH₃OCH₂CH₃

Note: the carbon atoms attached to oxygen can only be attached to hydrogen or other carbon atoms. If either of those carbon atoms are attached to something other than C or H, it is a different functional group.

Question 8

amine

Answer 8

Description: A nitrogen atom singly bonded to 1, 2, or 3 alkyl chains.

General structure: RNH₂, R₂NH or R₃N

Example: aminomethane, CH₃NH₂

Question 9

aldehyde

Answer 9

Description: A carbonyl (C=O) between an alkyl chain and a H. In other words, a carbonyl at the END of an alkyl chain.

General structure: R- CHO

Note: often the H attached to the carbonyl is omitted

Example: butanal,

Question 10

ketone

Answer 10

Description: A carbonyl (C=O) between two alkyl chains. In other words, a carbonyl group in the MIDDLE of an alkyl chain.

General structure: RC(O)R

Note: atoms attached to the carbonyl must be carbon atoms, if it is O or N, etc, it is a different functional group

Example: 2-pentanone,

Question 11

carboxylic acid

Answer 11

Description: A carbonyl (C=O) with an OH directly attached to C. On the other side, can be another OH (carbonic acid), an alkyl chain, or a H atom.

Note: many people think this is an alcohol attached to a ketone, but it is NOT, it’s a different functional group.

General description: R-COOH

Example: butanoic acid,

Question 12

acid chloride

Answer 12

Description: A carbonyl (C=O) with a chlorine directly attached. On the other side of the carbonyl, there can be an alkyl group or H atom.

General structure: R-C(O)Cl or R-COCl

Example: butanoyl chloride,

Question 13

acid anhydride

Answer 13

Description: An oxygen atoms singly bonded to two carbonyl (C=O) groups. On the other side of each carbonyl is alkyl chains or H atoms or combo.

General structure: R-C(O)OC(O)-R

Example: acetic anhydride,

Question 14

ester

Answer 14

Description: An oxygen atom singly bonded to the C of a carbonyl (C=O) group and an alkyl chain. On the other side of the carbonyl group can be an alkyl chain or H.

General structure: R-COOR

Example: ethyl acetate,

Question 15

amide

Answer 15

Description: A nitrogen atom singly bonded to the C of a carbonyl (C=O) and a combination of H’s and/or alkyl chains. On the other side of the carbonly is a H or an alkyl chain.

General structure: R-CONR₂ where R = alkyl or H

Example: N-ethyl ethanamide,