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4: Organic Functional Groups

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    396867
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    • 4.1: Organic Functional Groups
      Functional groups are to organic chemistry what ions are to general chemistry.  We simply must be able to recognize and distinguish between functional grouops to learn organic chemistry.
    • 4.2: Generic (Abbreviated) Structures (aka R Groups)
      It is not always necessary to draw the entire structure of a compound.  The correct use of the "R group" is explained.
    • 4.3: Overview of the IUPAC Naming Strategy
      The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) names for organic compounds all follow the same set of rules and can have up to four parts.  Recognizing the overall pattern can simplify the learning process.
    • 4.4: Alkanes
      Alkanes form the carbon backbone of all organic compounds.
    • 4.5: Alkenes
      The rigid, carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) can also introduce stereochemical considerations in naming.
    • 4.6: Alcohols - Classification and Nomenclature
      Alcohols are organic compounds with hydroxyl groups as a unique structural feature.  Alcohol classification will be useful as we learn patterns of chemical reactivity.  The terms "vicinal" and "germinal" are also explained.
    • 4.7: Ethers, Epoxides and Sulfides
      Ethers, epoxides, and sulfides all have the heteroatom disrupting the continuous carbon chain.  There is no IUPAC suffix for ethers.  The alkoxy group is always a substituent.
    • 4.8: Aldehydes and Ketones
      While there are many functional groups that include the carbonyl structural feature, aldehydes and ketones are collectively referred to as "the carbonyls."  With their highly similar chemical reactivity, their nomenclature is taught together.
    • 4.9: Amines - Classification and Nomenclature
      Amines are important weak bases, organic reactants. and biologically active compounds, such as alkaloids.  Amine classification is helpful in recognizing patterns of chemical reactivity.
    • 4.10: Benzene and its Derivatives
      This section focuses on naming benzene derivatives and the important distinction between a phenyl group and a benzyl group. Phenol nomenclature and with other important benzene derivatives are discussed.
    • 4.11: Carboxylic Acids
      Carboxylic acids are important natural products and synthetic precursors.  The common names are provided for carboxylic acids (1 to 10 carbons) and selected dicarboxylic acids.


    4: Organic Functional Groups is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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