Formulas, functional groups and the naming of organic compounds
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What is a functional group in organic chemistry?
A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. Examples include hydroxyl (-OH) in alcohols and carboxyl (-COOH) in carboxylic acids.
Draw the structural formula for butan-2-ol.
CH3-CH(OH)-CH2-CH3. The '2' indicates that the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the second carbon atom in the butane chain.
Draw the displayed formula for pentanal.
H | H-C-C-C-C-C=O | | | | | H H H H H
What is the skeletal formula of 3-methylhexane?
A zig-zag line with six points representing the carbon chain, and a methyl group (one line) branching off the third carbon.
Give the systematic name for the compound with the structural formula CH3CH2COOCH3.
Methyl propanoate. It is an ester derived from propanic acid and methanol.
Name the compound with the formula CH3CH2CH2CN, using systematic nomenclature.
Butanenitrile. The 'nitrile' suffix indicates the presence of the -CN functional group, and 'butane' indicates a four-carbon chain.
Draw the skeletal formula of 2,4-dimethylpentane.
A zig-zag line representing the five-carbon pentane chain, with single lines branching off the second and fourth carbons, representing the two methyl groups.
What is the systematic name for the aromatic compound with a benzene ring and a nitro group at the 3rd position?
3-nitrobenzene or meta-nitrobenzene. The '3-' or 'meta-' prefix indicates the position of the nitro group relative to the point of attachment to the benzene ring (if only one substituent).
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