CH 320M/328M CH 320M/328M

Functional Groups Functional Group – Functional Group –

General Structure Example General Structure Example
A functional group is a defined grouping of atoms in an organic molecule. A given functional group exhibits a
characteristic set of chemical properties, which are largely independent of the rest of the structure of the molecule in O O
O O O O
which it is found. As a consequence, an understanding of the chemical behavior of the functional groups allows one
to predict the reactivity of a wide variety of organic molecules. C C C C C C
H H3C H O H 3C O CH3
We will encounter numerous functional groups throughout our study of organic chemistry. A few of the more
important ones are listed in the table below (continued on the next page). At this stage, it is most important for you to Aldehyde Acetaldehyde Acid anhydride Acetic anhydride
learn to recognize the general structures associated with these functional groups. In each case, a simple example is
provided as an illustration. (Note: A line indicates a single bond to carbon or hydrogen.)
O O O O
C C C C C
Functional Group – Functional Group – C H3C CH3 H 3C OCH2CH3
O
General Structure Example General Structure Example
Ketone Acetone Ester Ethyl acetate
C CH3CH3 C OH CH3CH2OH
O O O O
C C C C
Alkane Ethane Alcohol Ethanol OH H3C OH N H 3C NH2

Carboxylic acid Acetic acid Amide Acetamide

C C CH2=CH2 C O C CH3OCH2CH3
O O
Alkene Ethylene Ether Ethyl methyl ether C C C C N H3C C N
Cl H3C Cl
C C H C C H C SH CH3CH2SH
Acid chloride Acetyl chloride Nitrile Acetonitrile
Alkyne Acetylene Thiol Ethanethiol
Since the ability to recognize these functional groups, particularly when they are
incorporated into a larger, more complicated molecule, is so important, you should learn
C S C CH3SCH3 the names and general structures of all of the functional groups on this handout as soon
as possible.

Aromatic Ring
Benzene Sulfide Dimethyl sulfide
(Arene)

C X
CH3CH2Br C N CH3CH2NH2
(X = F, Cl, Br, I)

Alkyl Halide Ethyl bromide Amine Ethylamine