All Functional Groups Organic Chemistry List
Organic chemistry is rich and diverse, largely due to the presence of a wide variety of functional groups. These groups are specific clusters of atoms within molecules that are responsible for characteristic chemical reactions. Understanding these functional groups is essential for anyone delving into organic chemistry, whether for academic or professional purposes. Below is a comprehensive list of major functional groups you should be familiar with
1. Hydrocarbons
- Alkanes (C-C single bonds)
- Alkenes (C=C double bonds)
- Alkynes (C≡C triple bonds)
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene rings)
2. Halides
- Alkyl halides (R-X, where X = F, Cl, Br, I)
3. Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
- Alcohols (R-OH)
- Ethers (R-O-R’)
- Aldehydes (R-CHO)
- Ketones (R-CO-R’)
- Carboxylic acids (R-COOH)
- Esters (R-COO-R’)
- Anhydrides (R-CO-O-CO-R’)
4. Nitrogen-Containing Functional Groups
- Amines (R-NH2, R2-NH, R3-N)
- Amides (R-CO-NH2, R-CO-NHR, R-CO-NR2)
- Nitriles (R-C≡N)
5. Sulfur-Containing Functional Groups
- Thiols (R-SH)
- Sulfides (R-S-R’)
- Sulfonic acids (R-SO3H)
6. Phosphorus-Containing Functional Groups
- Phosphates (R-OPO3H2)
7. Miscellaneous Groups
- Peroxides (R-O-O-R’)
- Isocyanates (R-N=C=O)
- Isothiocyanates (R-N=C=S)
- Nitro groups (R-NO2)