Overview of Functional Groups
Note: The table above is adapted from the Functional Groups table on Wikipedia.^106
Combining the names of functional groups with the names of the parent alkanes^107 generates
a powerful systematic nomenclature^108 for naming organic compounds^109.
The non-hydrogen atoms of functional groups are always associated with each by covalent
bond^110 s, as well as with the rest of the molecule. When the group of atoms is associated
with the rest of the molecule primarily by ionic forces, the group is referred to more properly
asapolyatomicion^111 orcomplexion^112. And all ofthese arecalled radical^113 s, byameaning
of the termradicalthat predates the free radical^114.
The first carbon after the carbon that attaches to the functional group is called the alpha
carbon^115.
129.3 Mnemonics for Functional Groups
These are possible mnemonics for the common functional groups.
Vowels: Remember the vowels ”A”, ”E”, and ”Y” for Alkane, Alkene, and Alkyne. Alkanes
have only single covalent bonds. Alkenes have at least one double bond. Alkynes have at
least one triple bond. The letters ”I”, ”O”, and ”U” are not used. Furthermore, ”O” and ”U”
would result in awkward pronunciations.
Alcohol: Look for the ”C-O-H” in ”Alcohol.”
Ether: Ethers were anesthetics used in the 1800s. Dr. Kellogg also lived at the same time.
Corn Flakes are made by Kellogg’s. A rooster or cock (C-O-C) is the cornflake mascot.
Amine: Remember the ”N” stands for nitrogen.
Aldehyde: This sounds like ”Adelaide,” the Australian city. Australia is at the end of the
Asian islands, and aldehydes are at the end of the hydrocarbon chain. The ”Y” indicates a
C=O double bond.
Ketone: Imagine the diagonal strokes of ”K” forming the C=O double bond.
106 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_groups
107 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkanes
108 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/systematic%20name
109 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/organic%20compound
110 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/covalent%20bond
111 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/polyatomic%20ion
112 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/complex%20ion
113 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/radical
114 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/free%20radical
115 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/alpha%20carbon