ChemOrga / Functional Groups

Organic Functional Groups

Each organic function is defined by a specific functional group — the set of atoms that gives the molecule its characteristic chemical behavior. Pick a function below to see the definition, general formula, naming rule and examples.

AlkanesHydrocarbons with only single bonds AlkenesHydrocarbons with one or more double bonds AlkynesHydrocarbons with a triple bond AlcoholHydroxyl group (-OH) on a saturated carbon AldehydeCarbonyl at the end of the chain (-CHO) KetoneCarbonyl in the middle of the chain Carboxylic acid-COOH group EsterDerived from acid + alcohol EtherOxygen linking two carbon chains AmineAmmonia derivative with carbon AmideCarbonyl bonded to nitrogen Organic halideHalogen (F, Cl, Br, I) bonded to carbon

Priority order (IUPAC)

When a molecule has more than one functional group, only one becomes the suffix (the "main group") — the others become prefixes. The priority order, from highest to lowest, is:

  1. Carboxylic acids
  2. Esters
  3. Amides
  4. Nitriles
  5. Aldehydes
  6. Ketones
  7. Alcohols / Phenols
  8. Amines
  9. Ethers

Halides are always prefixes, never suffixes. See the full detail in IUPAC nomenclature.

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