Functional Groups
Functional groups are elements and element groups that can replace hydrogen on a hydrocarbon. In other words, if an organic compound has an element in place of a hydrogen, it is considered a functional group. These functional groups change the properties of the compound. There are many functional groups. We will stick to just oxygen functional groups.
Oxygen Functional Groups
Alcohol, carboxylic acid and ester functional groups can be added to any organic molecule.
Alcohols are present in cleaning products and medicines. The alcohol functional group is an -OH (hydroxyl) group that replaces a hydrogen. Anytime this functional group appears, the hydrocarbon has properties of an alcohol. The general form to designate this group is as follows:
Oxygen Functional Groups
Alcohol, carboxylic acid and ester functional groups can be added to any organic molecule.
Alcohols are present in cleaning products and medicines. The alcohol functional group is an -OH (hydroxyl) group that replaces a hydrogen. Anytime this functional group appears, the hydrocarbon has properties of an alcohol. The general form to designate this group is as follows:
the “R” is an organic chemistry designation. Anytime a chemist sees the “R” symbol, that is supposes to indicate any hydrocarbon, or any carbon hydrogen compound.
Carboxylic acids are present in natural acids, such as vinegar (acetic acid) and fruits (citric and malonic acids) The carboxylic acid functional group is an -COOH group that replaces a hydrogen, which looks like this, in general form:
Carboxylic acids are present in natural acids, such as vinegar (acetic acid) and fruits (citric and malonic acids) The carboxylic acid functional group is an -COOH group that replaces a hydrogen, which looks like this, in general form:
Esters make things smell sweet. They are present in flowers, fruits, candies, etc. The alcohol functional group is an -COOCH3 group that replaces a hydrogen, which looks like this in general form:
Ethers are used in medicines, as flavorings and as solvents. The ether functional group is an oxygen in between carbons, or C-O-C. In general form, it looks like this:
Naming for functional groups
As before, these molecules with functional groups are named for the number of carbons. If you start with a hexane core, and replace one hydrogen with one of these functional group, the substance is based off of hexane. Then, you would also need to put a number showing where the functional group is branching off the organic molecule, and then the “e” on the -ane would be replaced by:
As before, these molecules with functional groups are named for the number of carbons. If you start with a hexane core, and replace one hydrogen with one of these functional group, the substance is based off of hexane. Then, you would also need to put a number showing where the functional group is branching off the organic molecule, and then the “e” on the -ane would be replaced by:
a)“-ol” for an alcohol,
b)“-oic acid” for a carboxylic acid, and
c)“1-methyl-” prefix and “-oate” suffix for an ester. The methyl part is for the -CH3 group within the ester group…
b)“methoxy-” prefix.
b)“-oic acid” for a carboxylic acid, and
c)“1-methyl-” prefix and “-oate” suffix for an ester. The methyl part is for the -CH3 group within the ester group…
b)“methoxy-” prefix.