The Other Functional Groups

 Other Functional Groups

There are other functional groups, that fit into distinct categories. You do not need to be able to name them, just recognize them.

Aldehydes
DEFINE: Aldehydes are organic compounds that contain a C=O group at the end of a hydrocarbon chain

EXAMPLE:



or  -CHO

CH3-CHO = ethanal

HCHO = methanal

USED IN:
 * tanning
 * perserving
 * embalming

Ketones
DEFINE: Ketones are organic compounds that contain a C=O group at a position other than at the end of a hydrocarbon chain.

EXAMPLE:
 * CH3COCH3 = propanone, acetone
 * CH3CH3COCH2CH2CH3 = 3-hexanone

USED IN
 * sugars
 * natural and synthetic steroids
 * paints and textiles

Ethers
DEFINE: Ethers are compounds wherein an oxygen joins two hydrocarbon groups

EXAMPLE:


 * CH3CH2-O-CH2CH3 = ethoxyethane
 * CH3-O-CH2CH2CH3 = 1-methoxypropane

USED IN
 * anaesthetics
 * solvents for fats, oils and waxes

Amines
DEFINE: An amine is an organic compound that contains an NH2 group. They are organic bases and react with acids.

EXAMPLE: USED IN:
 * CH3-CH2-NH2 = aminoethane
 * NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH2 = 1,4-diaminobutane
 * dyes
 * pesticides
 * fungicides

Amides
DEFINE: Amides are organic compounds containing CONH2 groups.

EXAMPLE:


 * CH3-CONH2 = ethanamide
 * CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CONH2 = hexanamide

USED IN
 * the production of sodium cyanide
 * drying ammonia

Carboxylic Acids
DEFINE: A carboxylic acid is an organic compound that contains a COOH group. Carboxylic acids are often called ‘organic acids’

EXAMPLE:
 * CH3OOH - ethanoic acid or acetic acid
 * HCOOH - methanoic acid
 * CH3-CH2-CH2-COOH - butanoic acid

USED IN
 * vinegar (acetic acid)
 * production of soft drinks
 * manufacturing of soaps