Families of organic compounds

Chloroalkanes

Compounds where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been removed and been replaced by a chlorine atom.

Functional group

An atom or group of atoms responsible for the characteristic properties of an organic compound or series of organic compounds.

Primary alcohol

The hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon connected to one other carbon atom,

Secondary alcohol

The hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon connected to two other carbon atoms.

Tertiary alcohol

The hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon connected to three other carbon atoms.

Condensation reaction

Two molecules combine to form a larger molecule with the loss of a smaller molecules such as water.

Precursor

The starting material or reactant from which another compound is synthesised.

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms or biological systems to make useful products or to carry out industrial processes.

Polymers

Long chain molecules made by joining together many small molecules.

Addition reaction

A reaction in which two or more molecules react to form a single molecule

Repeating unit

That part of the polymer whose repetition produces the complete polymer chain except for the end groups.

What functional group characterises Alcohols?

The hydroxyl group -OH

What functional group characterises Aldehydes?

The carbonyl group -CHO at the end of the chain

What functional group characterises Ketones?

The carbonyl group >C=O within the chain

What functional group characterises Carboxylic Acids?

The carboxyl group -COOH