Functional Groups: The Chemical Personalities

Functional groups are specific clusters of atoms that give organic molecules their unique properties and reactivity. Think of them as the molecule's 'personality'.

Common Functional Groups

• Alcohols: Contain an -OH group (like ethanol).
• Carboxylic Acids: Have a -COOH group (like acetic acid).
• Amines: Feature an -NH\(_2\) group.
• Alkenes and Alkynes: Have double or triple bonds.

Naming Organic Compounds

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) sets the rules for naming organic compounds. Names are based on:

• The longest carbon chain
• The type and position of functional groups
• Numbering the carbons for the lowest possible numbers

Why It Matters

Knowing the name tells you the structure—and the structure tells you how it might react!