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Functional Group Flashcards: Names & Structures

Practice 19 organic functional-group families with 57 cards on condensed structures, name-to-connectivity recall, and distinctions between easily confused groups.

Par Open Study Contributor

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Learn to recognize 19 common organic functional-group families from their bonding patterns. These 57 English flashcards use condensed structures and short text descriptions, with explicit C(=O) notation for carbonyls and C≡N for nitriles. The cards contain no molecular diagrams.

Practice in both directions: identify a group from a concrete structure or ring description, then recall the defining connectivity from its name. Ten comparison cards separate easily confused groups, including amine versus amide, aldehyde versus ketone, ether versus ester, and alcohol versus phenol. Additional examples check formaldehyde, nitrogen groups without N–H bonds, and an alkane with no characteristic functional group.

The set covers alkenes, alkynes, benzene-type aromatic rings, haloalkanes, alcohols, phenols, ethers, amines, nitriles, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, carboxylic esters, carboxamides, carboxylic acid halides, carboxylic acid anhydrides, thiols, organic sulfides (thioethers), and disulfides. Here, ester and amide practice focuses on carboxylic-acid derivatives.

Notation appears before the examples that depend on it. Early cards establish common carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen patterns; later cards add carbonyl families and sulfur groups. Recognition, reverse recall, and comparisons are spaced apart. Say the answer or sketch the connectivity before turning each card.

This is introductory recognition practice. Reaction mechanisms, reagent recall, spectroscopy, acidity rankings, exhaustive IUPAC naming, advanced aromaticity tests, imines, and thioesters are excluded to keep the study task focused. It is not a full organic chemistry course or an exam syllabus. For a later application to biological structures, try the amino acid flashcards.

Questions, answers, examples, organization, and metadata were independently authored with AI assistance. Terminology was checked against the IUPAC structural class glossary (Moss, Smith and Tavernier, Pure and Applied Chemistry 67, 1307–1375, 1995); its text and diagrams were not copied. The original text and generated cover are released under CC0 1.0 to the extent applicable rights exist. Chemical facts themselves are common knowledge. This is an independent resource, unaffiliated with IUPAC or any examination provider.

Cartes de ce paquet

  1. Carte 1

    Question

    What does a functional group tell you about an organic molecule?

    Réponse

    It identifies a characteristic bonding pattern that helps predict chemical behavior. Recognizing the group is a starting point; the rest of the molecule can still affect its reactions.

  2. Carte 2

    Question

    In the condensed structure CH3–CH(CH3)–CH2–CH3, where does the parenthesized CH3 attach?

    Réponse

    To the preceding CH carbon. Parentheses show a branch attached to the atom just before them.

  3. Carte 3

    Question

    In an organic structural formula, why might two substituents be labeled R and R′?

    Réponse

    They stand for groups whose full structures are omitted. The prime distinguishes the two positions; the groups may be the same or different. Check each formula’s definition of R, especially whether H is allowed.

  4. Carte 4

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH=CH–CH3?

    Réponse

    Alkene. The defining feature is a carbon–carbon double bond, C=C.

  5. Carte 5

    Question

    Classify the oxygen-containing functional group in CH3–CH(OH)–CH2–CH3.

    Réponse

    Alcohol. The –OH group is attached to a saturated carbon atom.

  6. Carte 6

    Question

    Functional-group class of CH3–CH(Br)–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Haloalkane, also called an alkyl halide. Bromine is bonded directly to a saturated carbon atom.

  7. Carte 7

    Question

    What bonding unit does C(=O) show in a condensed organic structure?

    Réponse

    A carbonyl group: carbon double-bonded to oxygen. The atoms attached to that carbon determine the more specific functional-group class.

  8. Carte 8

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–O–CH2–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Ether. One oxygen links two carbon groups through single bonds, and neither adjacent carbon is a carbonyl carbon.

  9. Carte 9

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–C≡C–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Alkyne. Two carbon atoms are joined by a triple bond.

  10. Carte 10

    Question

    What does Ph stand for in a condensed organic structure such as Ph–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    A phenyl group, C6H5–: a benzene ring with one hydrogen replaced by a bond to the rest of the molecule.

  11. Carte 11

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–NH–CH3?

    Réponse

    Amine. Nitrogen has single bonds to two carbon groups and one hydrogen, making this a secondary amine.

  12. Carte 12

    Question

    What bond defines an alkene functional group?

    Réponse

    A carbon–carbon double bond, C=C, outside an aromatic ring. Carbon–oxygen double bonds belong to a different group family.

  13. Carte 13

    Question

    What connectivity defines an alcohol group?

    Réponse

    An –OH group bonded to a saturated carbon atom. That carbon has only single bonds; an OH directly on a benzene ring is classified separately.

  14. Carte 14

    Question

    Classify the OH-containing group in Ph–OH, where Ph is a phenyl group (C6H5–).

    Réponse

    Phenol. The oxygen of –OH is bonded directly to a carbon in the aromatic ring.

  15. Carte 15

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C≡N?

    Réponse

    Nitrile. The carbon chain attaches to the carbon of a carbon–nitrogen triple bond.

  16. Carte 16

    Question

    What connectivity defines a haloalkane (alkyl halide)?

    Réponse

    A halogen bonded directly to a saturated carbon: C–X, where X is F, Cl, Br, or I. The carbon has only single bonds.

  17. Carte 17

    Question

    A six-carbon ring is drawn with alternating single and double bonds to represent six delocalized π electrons. How is this ring classified?

    Réponse

    An aromatic ring: the benzene-ring pattern. Its electrons are delocalized around the ring, so it is not treated as three separate alkene groups.

  18. Carte 18

    Question

    What connectivity defines a simple ether group?

    Réponse

    R–O–R′, with R and R′ attached through carbon and neither attached carbon being a carbonyl carbon. The oxygen has two single bonds and no O–H bond.

  19. Carte 19

    Question

    Does CH3–CH2–CH2–CH3 contain a characteristic functional group in introductory organic classification?

    Réponse

    No. It is an alkane with only C–C and C–H single bonds. Its saturated hydrocarbon framework is the comparison baseline.

  20. Carte 20

    Question

    What are the three basic connectivity patterns for neutral amines?

    Réponse

    R–NH2, R–NH–R′, and R–N(R′)–R″. Here each R is an alkyl or aryl group attached through carbon; the patterns have one, two, or three such groups on nitrogen.

  21. Carte 21

    Question

    What bond defines an alkyne functional group?

    Réponse

    A carbon–carbon triple bond, C≡C. Either end may connect to a carbon group or to hydrogen.

  22. Carte 22

    Question

    What connectivity defines a phenol group?

    Réponse

    An –OH group attached directly to a carbon of an arene ring. In the simplest example, phenol, the structure is C6H5–OH.

  23. Carte 23

    Question

    What connectivity defines a nitrile group?

    Réponse

    R–C≡N, with R attached through carbon. The triple bond joins carbon to nitrogen, and the rest of the molecule attaches on the carbon side.

  24. Carte 24

    Question

    What ring structure is the standard introductory example of an aromatic group?

    Réponse

    A benzene ring: six carbon atoms in a planar ring with six delocalized π electrons. It can be shown as a hexagon with a circle or with alternating single and double bonds.

  25. Carte 25

    Question

    What single bond-order change distinguishes an alkene group from an alkyne group?

    Réponse

    The carbon–carbon bond is double in an alkene and triple in an alkyne: C=C versus C≡C.

  26. Carte 26

    Question

    Why is Ph–CH2–OH an alcohol, while Ph–OH is a phenol? (Ph = phenyl.)

    Réponse

    In Ph–CH2–OH, OH attaches to the saturated CH2 carbon. In Ph–OH, OH attaches directly to the aromatic ring.

  27. Carte 27

    Question

    Classify the nitrogen group in CH3–N(CH3)–CH2–CH3.

    Réponse

    Tertiary amine. Nitrogen has three carbon substituents and no N–H bond; it is still an amine.

  28. Carte 28

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–CH2–C(=O)H?

    Réponse

    Aldehyde. The carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydrogen and, here, to a carbon chain.

  29. Carte 29

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C(=O)–O–CH3?

    Réponse

    Carboxylic ester. The carbonyl carbon is bonded to an oxygen that also bonds to a non-carbonyl carbon group.

  30. Carte 30

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C(=O)–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Ketone. The carbonyl carbon has a carbon atom attached on each side.

  31. Carte 31

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–CH2–SH?

    Réponse

    Thiol. Sulfur is bonded to a carbon group and to hydrogen.

  32. Carte 32

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C(=O)–NH2?

    Réponse

    Amide, specifically a carboxamide. Nitrogen is bonded directly to the carbonyl carbon.

  33. Carte 33

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C(=O)–OH?

    Réponse

    Carboxylic acid. An OH group and a double-bonded oxygen attach to the same carbon.

  34. Carte 34

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–C(=O)–Cl?

    Réponse

    Acid chloride, a carboxylic acid halide (acyl halide). Chlorine is bonded directly to the carbonyl carbon.

  35. Carte 35

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–S–CH2–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Organic sulfide, also commonly called a thioether. One sulfur links two carbon groups through single bonds.

  36. Carte 36

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–C(=O)–O–C(=O)–CH2–CH3?

    Réponse

    Carboxylic acid anhydride. The central oxygen connects two carbonyl carbons; the carbon groups on the two sides can differ.

  37. Carte 37

    Question

    What connectivity defines an aldehyde group, including formaldehyde?

    Réponse

    R–C(=O)H, where R can be a carbon group or H. The carbonyl carbon has at least one attached hydrogen; formaldehyde is H–C(=O)–H.

  38. Carte 38

    Question

    What local bonding feature separates a simple ether from a carboxylic ester?

    Réponse

    An ester has a carbonyl carbon directly bonded to the linking oxygen: –C(=O)–O–C. A simple ether has C–O–C with neither adjacent carbon being a carbonyl carbon.

  39. Carte 39

    Question

    Functional group in CH3–CH2–S–S–CH3?

    Réponse

    Disulfide. Two sulfur atoms are bonded to each other, with a carbon group at each end.

  40. Carte 40

    Question

    What connectivity defines a ketone group?

    Réponse

    R–C(=O)–R′, with R and R′ both attached through carbon. Neither substituent on the carbonyl carbon is H.

  41. Carte 41

    Question

    What attachment to nitrogen separates a carboxamide group from an amine group?

    Réponse

    A carboxamide’s nitrogen is bonded directly to a carbonyl carbon. An amine’s nitrogen is bonded to alkyl or aryl groups instead of an acyl group.

  42. Carte 42

    Question

    What connectivity defines a carboxylic acid group?

    Réponse

    –C(=O)–OH, the carboxy group. The carbonyl carbon is directly bonded to the oxygen of OH.

  43. Carte 43

    Question

    What connectivity defines a thiol group?

    Réponse

    R–S–H, where R attaches through carbon. The S–H bond is the key recognition cue.

  44. Carte 44

    Question

    Classify H–C(=O)–H by its carbonyl functional-group family.

    Réponse

    Aldehyde. This is formaldehyde (methanal), whose carbonyl carbon has two attached hydrogens.

  45. Carte 45

    Question

    What connectivity defines a carboxylic ester group?

    Réponse

    R–C(=O)–O–R′. Here R is H or a carbon group, and R′ attaches through a non-carbonyl carbon. The linking oxygen has no O–H bond.

  46. Carte 46

    Question

    What connectivity defines a carboxamide group, including N-substituted forms?

    Réponse

    A carbonyl carbon bonded directly to nitrogen: –C(=O)–N. The nitrogen can carry H atoms or carbon substituents; an N–H bond is not required.

  47. Carte 47

    Question

    What connectivity defines a carboxylic acid halide group?

    Réponse

    –C(=O)–X, where X is a halogen attached directly to the carbonyl carbon. For an acid chloride, X is Cl.

  48. Carte 48

    Question

    What connectivity defines a simple organic sulfide (thioether) group?

    Réponse

    R–S–R′, with both groups attached through non-carbonyl carbon atoms. One sulfur bridges the two groups and has no S–H bond.

  49. Carte 49

    Question

    What connectivity defines a carboxylic acid anhydride group?

    Réponse

    –C(=O)–O–C(=O)–: one oxygen links two carbonyl carbons. The groups beyond the carbonyl carbons can be the same or different.

  50. Carte 50

    Question

    Which attachments to the carbonyl carbon distinguish an aldehyde from a ketone?

    Réponse

    An aldehyde has at least one attached H. A ketone has two attached carbon atoms and no H attached to the carbonyl carbon.

  51. Carte 51

    Question

    Why is the OH in CH3–C(=O)–OH classified as part of a carboxylic acid rather than as an alcohol group?

    Réponse

    Its oxygen attaches to a carbonyl carbon. An alcohol’s OH attaches to a saturated carbon; classify the whole –C(=O)–OH unit together.

  52. Carte 52

    Question

    Which bond at sulfur distinguishes a thiol from a simple organic sulfide?

    Réponse

    A thiol has S–H. A simple organic sulfide has sulfur bonded to two carbon groups and no S–H bond.

  53. Carte 53

    Question

    What connectivity defines an organic disulfide group?

    Réponse

    R–S–S–R′, with R and R′ attached through carbon. The central S–S bond distinguishes it from a single-sulfur bridge.

  54. Carte 54

    Question

    Classify the nitrogen-containing group in CH3–C(=O)–N(CH3)–CH3.

    Réponse

    Amide (carboxamide). Nitrogen is directly bonded to the carbonyl carbon, even though it has no N–H bond.

  55. Carte 55

    Question

    How many carbonyl carbons bond directly to the linking oxygen in a carboxylic ester versus a carboxylic acid anhydride?

    Réponse

    One in an ester; two in an anhydride. Follow both bonds from the linking oxygen to check.

  56. Carte 56

    Question

    How does the carbon bonded to Cl differ in CH3–CH2–Cl and CH3–C(=O)–Cl?

    Réponse

    It is a saturated carbon in CH3–CH2–Cl (haloalkane) and a carbonyl carbon in CH3–C(=O)–Cl (acid chloride).

  57. Carte 57

    Question

    What changes in the bridge between carbon groups when a sulfide is compared with a disulfide?

    Réponse

    A sulfide bridge has one sulfur, C–S–C; a disulfide bridge has two, C–S–S–C, including an S–S bond.

Stacked study cards labeled Functional Groups and Organic Chemistry on a cream background.

57 cartes

Functional Group Flashcards: Names & Structures

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