Organic Chemistry: Functional Groups
Organic chemistry studies carbon-based compounds. Functional groups are specific clusters of atoms within a molecule that determine its chemical behaviour and reactions.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Hydrocarbons contain only C and H; alkanes (single bonds), alkenes (double bonds)
Hydroxyl group (-OH) characterises alcohols (e.g. ethanol)
Carboxyl group (-COOH) characterises carboxylic acids (e.g. acetic acid)
Functional groups determine physical properties like boiling point and solubility
Key Vocabulary
Functional group
A specific group of atoms within a molecule that determines its characteristic reactions
Hydrocarbon
A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms
Alcohol
An organic compound containing a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group
Carboxylic acid
An organic compound containing a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which functional group is present in all alcohols?
Question 2
Ethanol (C2H5OH) and propanol (C3H7OH) are both alcohols because they both contain:
Question 3
Acetic acid (vinegar) has the formula CH3COOH. What functional group makes it an acid?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Hydrocarbons contain only C and H; alkanes (single bonds), alkenes (double bonds)
- ●Hydroxyl group (-OH) characterises alcohols (e.g. ethanol)
- ●Carboxyl group (-COOH) characterises carboxylic acids (e.g. acetic acid)
- ●Functional groups determine physical properties like boiling point and solubility