Homologous Series and Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

This set of flashcards covers the different classes of organic compounds, their functional groups, and their characteristics.

Homologous Series

A series of organic compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties, differing by a constant unit, typically a -CH2 group.

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon with single C-C bonds (formula: CnH2n+2) and no functional group.

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one C=C double bond.

Alkyne

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one C≡C triple bond.

Arene

A hydrocarbon that contains a conjugated ring system, often containing alternating double bonds, typically benzene.

Haloalkane

An alkane in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a halogen atom.

Carboxylic Acid

An organic compound containing a carboxyl functional group (-C(=O)OH).

Acyl Chloride

An organic compound with the functional group -C(=O)Cl.

Amide

An organic compound containing the functional group -C(=O)NH2.

Ester

An organic compound formed from the reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, containing the functional group -C(=O)O-.

Anhydride

A compound derived from another compound by the removal of a molecule of water, often containing -C(=O)O-C(=O)-.

Amine

A nitrogen-containing organic compound characterized by the functional group -NH2.

Nitrile

An organic compound that contains a cyano group (-C≡N).

Alcohol

An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group (-OH).

Ether

An organic compound characterized by an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.

Aldehyde

An organic compound containing the carbonyl functional group (C=O) with the carbon atom also bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Ketone

An organic compound containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms.