The Functional Group Concept Explained | Organic Chemistry | FuseSchool

Summary

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds. Many of these compounds can be formed by arranging carbon and hydrogen atoms in different ways.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are compounds made only of carbon and hydrogen.

• Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon. It has one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
• The first four members of the alkane series are methane, ethane, propane, and butane.
• Hexane, which has six carbon atoms, is another alkane.

Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing a carbon–carbon double covalent bond. Each carbon atom still forms four bonds overall.

• Ethene is an example of an alkene. The series continues with propene and butene.
• Hexene has six carbon atoms and a double bond.

Functional groups

Organic chemistry covers more than hydrocarbons. It also includes molecules with a carbon backbone and other atoms or groups attached.

A functional group is a group of atoms that gives molecules similar properties and reactions.

• Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group (–OH), in which a hydrogen is bonded to oxygen and the oxygen is bonded to the rest of the molecule. Alcohol names end in -ol, as in methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol.
• Carboxylic acids contain a carboxylic-acid functional group. Their names end in -oic acid, as in methanoic acid, ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid.
• Other functional groups mentioned include:
  • Esters, used in perfumes and flavorings because of their sweet smells.
  • Ketones, useful as solvents.
  • Amines, used in dyes and in making medicines.

Some molecules contain more than one functional group, which can give them different properties.

Speakers and sources

• Narrator: Unnamed educational narrator.
• Source: FuseSchool educational video.