Organic Chemistry: Functional Groups, Isomerism & Key Reactions
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Part 1 of 4
1. Functional Groups and Molecular Recognition
The first step in IMAT organic chemistry is recognising the functional group. The functional group determines how a molecule reacts, regardless of the size of the carbon chain attached to it.
Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group (-OH). Aldehydes and ketones contain a carbonyl group (C=O). Carboxylic acids contain both a carbonyl and hydroxyl group. Amines contain nitrogen and often behave as weak bases because nitrogen can accept hydrogen ions.
Examiners test recognition more than memorisation. When you see a structure, first locate the special atom or bond before thinking about the reaction.
Worked example
Consider ethanol, CH3CH2OH. The -OH group identifies it as an alcohol. When ethanol reacts with an oxidising agent, the carbon attached to the hydroxyl group can form ethanal, CH3CHO, which contains a carbonyl group.
1.Alcohols contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
2.All molecules containing carbon are classified as alcohols.
Exam strategy
If you can explain why the wrong answers are wrong, you know the topic. Remembering the right one only gets you halfway.
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