Functional Groups Flashcards
alkane
Description: only C and H, only single bonds Example: ethane, CH3CH3
alkene
Description: only C and H, at least one C=C bond General structure: R2C=CR2
Example: ethene/ ethylene, CH2=CH2
alkyne
Description: only C and H, at least one C-C triple bond
General structure: R-C=C-R
haloalkane (aka alkyl halide)
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
alcohol
Description: Contains at least one OH that is attached to an alkyl chain
General structure: R-OH
Example: ethanol, CH3CH2OH
Note: the C where 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.
thiol
Description: Contains an SH attached to an alkyl chain
General structure: R-SH
Example: ethane thiol, CH3CH2SH
ether
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.
amine
Description: A nitrogen atom singly bonded to 1, 2, or 3 alkyl chains.
General structure: RNH2, R2NH or R3N Example: aminomethane, CH3NH2
aldehyde
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
ketone
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
carboxylic acid
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
acid chloride
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
acid anhydride
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
ester
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
amide
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-CONR2where R = alkyl or H
