Naming Organic Compounds Guide

Aromatic compounds

Organic compounds with a benzene ring in their structure

Organic halides

Compounds with the general formula R-X, where R is a carbon chain and X is a halogen

Alcohols

Compounds with the general formula R-OH, where OH is a hydroxyl group

Ethers

Compounds with the general formula R-O-R, where R is a carbon chain

Aldehydes

Compounds with the general formula R-C-H, containing a carbonyl group

Ketones

Compounds with the general formula R-C-R, containing a carbonyl group

Carboxylic acids

Compounds with the general formula R-C-OH, containing a carboxyl group

Esters

Compounds with the general formula R-C-O-R, formed by reacting alcohols & carboxylic acids

Amines

Compounds with the general formula R-N-R, containing an amino group

Amides

Compounds with the general formula R-C-N-R, containing an amide group

Benzene ring

A hexagonal ring of carbon atoms found in aromatic compounds

Phenyl group

A benzene ring treated as a side chain in larger molecules

Hydroxyl group

OH group in alcohols, named by dropping 'e' and adding 'ol' to the alkane name

Carbonyl group

C=O group in aldehydes and ketones, named by dropping 'e' and adding 'al' or 'one'

Amino group

NH2 group in amines, named by adding 'amine' to the alkane name

Ester linkage

C-O- group in esters, formed by reacting alcohols & carboxylic acids

Carboxyl group

C-OH group in carboxylic acids, named by dropping 'e' and adding 'oic acid'