Thiols

Definition Thiols are organic compounds with the general structure R-SH. They are sulfur analogs of alcohols (R-OH). R can be aliphatic or aromatic. The simplest aliphatic representative is methanethiol, the simplest aromatic is thiophenol (analogue of phenol). Thiols are formally derived from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), in which a hydrogen atom has been replaced by a … Thiols

Carboxylic Acids

Definition Carboxylic acids are organic acids with the general structure R-COOH (less commonly: R-CO2H). It is composed of a residue, a carbonyl group, and a hydroxyl group. The functional group is called the carboxy group (carboxyl group). Molecules with two or three carboxy groups are called dicarboxylic acids or tricarboxylic acids. An example of a … Carboxylic Acids

Ketones

Definition Ketones are organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O) with two aliphatic or aromatic radicals (R1, R2) attached to its carbon atom. In aldehydes, one of the radicals is a hydrogen atom (H). Ketones can be synthesized, for example, by oxidation of alkoles. The simplest representative is acetone. Nomenclature Ketones are usually named with … Ketones

Amide

Definition Amides are organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O) whose carbon atom is bonded to a nitrogen atom. They have the following general structure: R1, R2 and R3 can be aliphatic and aromatic radicals or hydrogen atoms. Amides can be synthesized with a carboxylic acid (or a carboxylic acid halide) and an amine using … Amide

Amines

Definition Amines are organic molecules containing nitrogen (N) atoms bonded to carbon or hydrogen atoms. They are formally derived from ammonia, in which hydrogen atoms have been replaced by carbon atoms. Primary amines: 1 carbon atom Secondary amines: 2 carbon atoms Tertiary amines: 3 carbon atoms The functional group is called the amino group, for … Amines

Phenols

Definition Phenols are organic compounds consisting of aromatics bearing one or more hydroxyl groups (Ar-OH). The simplest representative is phenol: this in contrast to alcohols, which are bonded to an aliphatic radical. For example, benzyl alcohol is an alcohol and not a phenol. Nomenclature The names of phenols are formed with the suffix –phenol, e.g., … Phenols

Alkenes

Definition Alkenes are organic compounds which contain double bonds between carbon atoms (C=C). Alkenes are hydrocarbons, meaning that they consist exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are also called unsaturated compounds. This is in contrast to the saturated ones, which contain only single bonds (C-C). Alkenes can be linear (acyclic) or cyclic. Cycloalkenes are, … Alkenes

Alcohols

Definition Alcohols are a group of organic compounds with the general chemical structure R-OH. The hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to an aliphatic carbon atom. Aromatic alcohols are called phenols. They are a separate group of substances. Alcohols can be obtained as derivatives of water (H 2 O) in which a hydrogen atom has been … Alcohols

Alkanes

Definition Alkanes are organic compounds composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They belong to the hydrocarbons and contain only C-C and C-H bonds. Alkanes are not aromatic and saturated. They are referred to as aliphatic compounds. The general formula of acyclic alkanes is C n H 2n+2 . The simplest alkanes are the linear … Alkanes

Ether

Definition Ethers are organic molecules with the general structure R1-O-R2, where R1 and R2 are identical for symmetrical ethers. The radicals can be aliphatic or aromatic. Cyclic ethers exist, such as tetrahydrofuran (THF). Ethers can be prepared using, for example, Williamson’s synthesis: R1-X + R2-O–Na+ R1-O-R2 + NaX X stands for halogens Nomenclature Trivial names … Ether

Aromatics

Definition The best-known representative of the aromatics is benzene (benzenes), which consists of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring with angles of 120°. Benzene is usually drawn like a cylcoalkene, each with three alternating single and double bonds. However, benzene and the other aromatics do not belong to the alkenes and behave chemically differently. … Aromatics