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Functional Group's Reference Lists

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Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Here’s a list of commonly recognized functional groups in organic chemistry, along with their general formulas and characteristics:

1. Hydrocarbons

  • Alkanes: CnH2n+2 (single bonds)
  • Alkenes: CnH2n (at least one double bond)
  • Alkynes: CnH2n-2 (at least one triple bond)

2. Alcohols

  • General Formula: R-OH
  • Example: Ethanol (C2H5OH)
  • Characteristic: Hydroxyl group (-OH)

3. Ethers

  • General Formula: R-O-R'
  • Example: Dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3)
  • Characteristic: Oxygen between two carbon groups

4. Aldehydes

  • General Formula: R-CHO
  • Example: Formaldehyde (HCHO)
  • Characteristic: Carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of the carbon chain

5. Ketones

  • General Formula: R-CO-R'
  • Example: Acetone (C3H6O)
  • Characteristic: Carbonyl group (C=O) within the carbon chain

6. Carboxylic Acids

  • General Formula: R-COOH
  • Example: Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
  • Characteristic: Carboxyl group (-COOH)

7. Esters

  • General Formula: R-COOR'
  • Example: Ethyl acetate (CH3COOCH2CH3)
  • Characteristic: Derived from carboxylic acid and alcohol

8. Amines

  • General Formula: R-NH2, R2-NH, or R3-N
  • Example: Methylamine (CH3NH2)
  • Characteristic: Amino group (-NH2)

9. Amides

  • General Formula: R-CO-NR'2
  • Example: Acetamide (CH3CONH2)
  • Characteristic: Carbonyl group (C=O) attached to nitrogen

10. Nitriles

  • General Formula: R-C≡N
  • Example: Acetonitrile (CH3CN)
  • Characteristic: Triple bond between carbon and nitrogen

11. Halides

  • General Formula: R-X (where X is a halogen: F, Cl, Br, I)
  • Example: Chloroform (CHCl3)
  • Characteristic: Halogen substituent

12. Phenols

  • General Formula: Ar-OH (where Ar is an aromatic ring)
  • Example: Phenol (C6H5OH)
  • Characteristic: Hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring

Summary

Understanding these functional groups is crucial for predicting the chemical behavior and reactivity of organic compounds. They serve as the building blocks for constructing more complex molecules and play essential roles in biological systems and synthetic chemistry.