Flashcard library · Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry: Functional Groups
This flashcard set covers the fundamental functional groups in Organic Chemistry, essential for understanding chemical reactivity and nomenclature. Master these core structures to build a strong foundation for your organic chemistry studies. This deck focuses on identifying key groups and their defining structural features.
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What defines an alkane?
Only single C–C and C–H bonds — a saturated hydrocarbon.
What defines an alkene?
At least one carbon-carbon double bond.
What defines an alkyne?
At least one carbon-carbon triple bond.
What is an alcohol?
A hydroxyl group (–OH) bonded to an sp³ carbon.
What is an ether?
An oxygen bonded to two carbon groups: R–O–R′.
What is an amine?
A nitrogen bonded to one or more carbon groups; its lone pair makes it basic.
What is an aldehyde?
A carbonyl carbon bonded to at least one hydrogen: R–CHO (in formaldehyde, R is H).
What is a ketone?
A carbonyl carbon bonded to two carbon groups: R–CO–R′.
What is a carboxylic acid?
A carboxyl group (–COOH): a carbonyl bonded to a hydroxyl.
What is an ester?
A carbonyl carbon bonded to an –OR group: R–COO–R′.
What is an amide?
A carbonyl carbon bonded to a nitrogen: R–CONH₂, R–CONHR′ or R–CONR′₂.
What is a nitrile?
A carbon triple-bonded to nitrogen: –C≡N.
What is a thiol?
A sulfhydryl group (–SH), the sulfur analog of an alcohol.
What is an alkyl halide?
A halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) bonded to an sp³ carbon.
What makes a ring aromatic?
A cyclic, planar ring with delocalized π electrons (4n + 2 of them, as in benzene).