Functional Groups
functional group: an atom, or group of atoms (with specific connectivity), exhibiting
identical chemical reactivity regardless of the molecule containing it; the reactivity of
individual functional groups dictates the reactivity of the molecule of which they are a
part
• divide organic compounds into classes
• sites of characteristic chemical reactions
• serve as basis for naming organic compounds
A. Alkanes
• contain only carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds
B. Alkenes
• contain a carbon-carbon double bond
C. Alkynes
• contain a carbon-carbon triple bond
