Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups, and Nomenclature

Hydrocarbons

Compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen.

Alkanes

All bonds are single bonds. All carbons are sp3.

Cycloalkanes

sp3 carbons form a ring.

Alkenes

One or more C=C double bonds are present in the molecule. Carbons in the double bond are sp2.

Cycloalkenes

One or more double bond in a ring.

Alkynes

One or more carbon-carbon triple bonds are present. Carbons in the triple bond are sp.

Aromatic

Contain a benzene ring.

Functional Group

A specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule that controls its reactivity and much of its physical properties.

Organic Nomenclature Systems

The structure of alkanes provides the basis for the nomenclature of all organic compounds.

IUPAC System

A systematic method for naming organic compounds developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Alkene Names

Derive from the corresponding alkanes, but end in the -ene suffix.

Alkyne Names

End in the -yne suffix.

Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Also called arenes, are all derivatives of benzene.

Alcohols

Contain the hydroxyl group as the main functional group.

Ethers

Contain two alkyl groups bonded to an oxygen.

Aldehydes and Ketones

Contain the carbonyl group, C═O.

Carboxylic Acids

Contain the carboxyl group, —COOH, as their functional group.

Alkyl Group

A carbon branch connected to carbon chain in an organic compound.

Amines

Alkylated derivatives of ammonia.

Amides

Carboxylic acid derivative with a nitrogen attached to the carbonyl group.

Nitriles

Contain the cyano group, -CN.

Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Carboxylic acids can be converted to different derivatives.

Carbonyl Group

C═O, is the functional group for both aldehydes and ketones.

Hydroxyl Group

—OH, the functional group in alcohols.

Carboxyl Group

A combination of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group.