Functional Groups and Nomenclature Basics

Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms that give organic molecules their characteristic properties and reactions. Think of them as the "personality traits" of molecules - they determine how compounds behave and what they can do.

The systematic naming system uses prefixes and suffixes to describe these groups. For alkenes, you'll add "-ene" to the base name (like ethene), whilst alcohols get "-ol" (like ethanol). Halogenoalkanes use prefixes like "chloro-" or "bromo-" before the main name.

Each functional group has its own general formula that shows the relationship between carbon, hydrogen, and other atoms. Alkenes follow CₙH₂ₙ, whilst alcohols follow CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH, and carboxylic acids use CₙH₂ₙ₊₁COOH.

Quick Tip: Learn the general formulae by heart - they're essential for identifying unknown compounds and will save you time in exams!

Key functional groups to master include aldehydes $-al suffix$, ketones $-one suffix$, carboxylic acids $-oic acid suffix$, amines $alkyl-amine$, and nitriles $-nitrile suffix$. Each has distinct properties you'll explore in detail throughout your course.