Functional Groups & Side Chains

Alkane

Lack of multiple bonds and no heteroatoms (all single bonds)

Alkene

A carbon-carbon double bond

Alkyne

A carbon-carbon triple bond

Benzene

A ring structure with alternating single and double bonds

Alcohol

A single oxygen attached to an “R” group and an “H”

Ether

A single oxygen attached to two “R” groups (oxygen in middle)

Ketones

A carbonyl group (C=O) with two “R” groups attached to the carbonyl carbon *”R” is not H for a ketone*

Aldehydes

A carbonyl group (C=O) with one “R” groups attached attached to the carbonyl group and one hydrogen

Carboxylic Acid (Acid)

• A carbonyl group (C=O) with one “R” group attached to the carbonyl carbon and one -OH group

• The -OH group is part of the carboxylic acid, not a separate alcohol

• *If you see what you think is an alcohol, check to make sure it isn’t an acid

Ester

• a carbonyl group (C=O) with one “R” group attached to the carbonyl carbon and one -OR group

• The -OR group is part of the ester NOT a separate ether

• *if you see what you think is an ether, heck to make sure it’s not part of an ester

Amide

• A carbonyl group (C=O) with one “R” group attached to the carbonyl carbon and one NR2 group

• The -NR2 group is part of the amide, NOT a separate amine

• *If you see what you think is an amine. Check if the group is part of an amide

• *if you see what you think is an amine, check if the group is part of an amide

Amine

A nitrogen atom attached to “R” or “H” groups

Isopropyl

FISHTAIL

• “iso” counts for alphabetizing

• Attaches @ end, not middle like propyl

Secondary butyl (sec-butyl)

• @ 2nd carbon

• “sec” does not count for alphabetizing

Tertiary butyl (tert-butyl)

CHICKEN FOOT

• “tert” does not count for alphabetizing

Isobutyl

LONGER FISHTAIL

• “iso” counts for alphabetizing