Benzyl acetate has an ester functional group (in red), an acetyl moiety (circled with green) and an benzyl alcohol moiety (circled with orange). Benzyl acetate is an Organic compound with the molecular formula C9H10O2

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Organic chemistry is a discipline within Chemistry which involves the scientific study of the structure properties composition reactions, and preparation History See also Atomic theory, Atomism The concept that matter is composed of discrete units and cannot be divided into arbitrarily tiny In Chemistry, a molecule is defined as a sufficiently stable electrically neutral group of at least two Atoms in a definite arrangement held together by A chemical reaction is a process that always results in the interconversion of Chemical substances The substance or substances initially involved in a chemical reaction are called The same functional group will undergo the same or similar chemical reaction(s) regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of. ^[1][2] However, its relative reactivity can be modified by nearby functional groups.

The word moeity is often used synonymously to "functional group", but according to the IUPAC definition, a moiety is a half of a molecule including substructures of functional groups. For example, an ester is divided into an alcohol and an acyl moiety, but has an ester functional group. Esters are a class of Chemical compounds and Functional groups Esters consist of an inorganic or organic Acid in which at least The use of the word "moiety" to mean a functional group in the chemistry sense is actually fairly recent. While it has commonly been used in the archeology field to mean the half of a tribal family, it wasn't until a chance encounter between Elizabeth Bollwerk, an archeology graduate student, and a drug research scientist that the term made the cross-over. ^[3]

Combining the names of functional groups with the names of the parent alkanes generates a powerful systematic nomenclature for naming organic compounds. Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i There are millions of possible objects that can be described in science too many to create Common names for every one An organic compound is any member of a large class of Chemical compounds whose Molecules contain Carbon.

The non-hydrogen atoms of functional groups are always associated with each other and with the rest of the molecule by covalent bonds. When the group of atoms is associated with the rest of the molecule primarily by ionic forces, the group is referred to more properly as a polyatomic ion or complex ion. A polyatomic ion is a charged species ( Ion) composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded or of a metal complex that can be considered as acting The term complex in Chemistry is usually used to describe molecules or ensembles formed by the combination of Ligands and metal Ions. And all of these are called radicals, by a meaning of the term radical that predates the free radical. In Chemistry, radicals (often referred to as free radicals) are atoms molecules or ions with Unpaired electrons on an otherwise Open shell In Chemistry, radicals (often referred to as free radicals) are atoms molecules or ions with Unpaired electrons on an otherwise Open shell

The first carbon atom after the carbon that attaches to the functional group is called the alpha carbon; the second, beta carbon, the third, gamma carbon, etc. Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 The alpha carbon in Organic chemistry refers to the first carbon that attaches to a Functional group (the carbon is attached at the first or alpha position If there is another functional group at a carbon, it may be named with the Greek letter, e. g. the gamma-amine in gamma-aminobutanoic acid is on the third carbon of the carbon chain attached to the carboxylic acid group.

Functional groups are attached to the carbon backbone of organic molecules. They determine the characteristics and chemical reactivity of molecules. Functional groups are far less stable than the carbon backbone and are likely to participate in chemical reactions.

Table of common functional groups

The following is a list of common functional groups. In the formulas, the symbols R and R' usually denote an attached hydrogen, or a hydrocarbon side chain of any length, but may sometimes refer to any group of atoms. In Organic chemistry, a hydrocarbon is an Organic compound consisting entirely of Hydrogen and Carbon. A side chain in Organic chemistry and Biochemistry is a part of a Molecule that is attached to a core structure

Hydrocarbons

Functional groups that vary based upon the number and order of π bonds impart different chemistry. Each listing below contains C-H bonds, but each one differs in type (and scope) of reactivity.

Chemical class	Group	Formula	Structural Formula	Prefix	Suffix	Example
Alkane	Alkyl	RH		alkyl-	-ane	Ethane
Alkene	Alkenyl	R2C=CR2		alkenyl-	-ene	Ethylene (Ethene)
Alkyne	Alkynyl	RC≡CR'		alkynyl-	-yne	Acetylene (Ethyne)
Benzene derivative	Phenyl	RC6H5 RPh		phenyl-	-benzene	Cumene (2-phenylpropane)
Toluene derivative	Benzyl	RCH2C6H5 RBn		benzyl-	1-(substituent)toluene	Benzyl bromide (1-Bromotoluene)

There are also a large number of branched or ring alkanes that have specific names, e. Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i An alkyl is a Univalent radical consisting of Carbon and Hydrogen atoms arranged in a chain ETHANE is a mnemonic indicating a protocol used by Emergency services to report situations which they may be faced with especially as it relates to major incidents where In Organic chemistry, an alkene, olefin, or olefine is an unsaturated Chemical compound containing at least one Carbon In Organic chemistry, an alkene, olefin, or olefine is an unsaturated Chemical compound containing at least one Carbon Structure This Hydrocarbon has four Hydrogen Atoms bound to a pair of Carbon atoms that are connected by a Double bond. Alkynes are Hydrocarbons that have at least one Triple bond between two Carbon atoms with the formula CnH2n-2. Alkynes are Hydrocarbons that have at least one Triple bond between two Carbon atoms with the formula CnH2n-2. Acetylene ( IUPAC name ethyne), C2H2 is a Hydrocarbon belonging to the group of Alkynes It is the simplest of all alkynes Benzene, or benzol, is an organic Chemical compound and a known Carcinogen with the molecular formula C 6 H 6 In Organic chemistry, the phenyl group or phenyl ring (often abbreviated as -Ph) is the Functional group with the formula - Cumene is the common name for isopropylbenzene, an Organic compound that is an Aromatic Hydrocarbon. Toluene, also known as methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is a clear water -insoluble liquid with the typical smell of Paint thinners redolent of In Organic chemistry, benzyl is the term used to describe the Substituent or molecular fragment possessing the structure C6H5CH2- Benzyl bromide, or α-bromotoluene is an Organic compound consisting of a Benzene ring substituted with a bromomethyl group g. tert-butyl, bornyl, cyclohexyl, etc. In Organic chemistry, butyl is a four- Carbon Alkyl substituent with Chemical formula -C4H9. Borneol is a Bicyclic Organic compound and a Terpene. The Hydroxyl group in this compound is placed in an endo position Cyclohexane is a Cycloalkane with the Molecular formula C 6 H 12

Groups containing halogens

Haloalkanes are a class of molecule that is defined by a carbon-halogen bond. Abundance Owing to their high Reactivity, the halogens are found in the environment only in compounds or as Ions Halide ions and oxoanions This bond can be relatively weak (in the case of an iodoalkane) or quite stable (as in the case of a fluoroalkane). In general, with the exception of fluorinated compounds, haloalkanes readily undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions or elimination reactions. Fluorine, fluorum meaning "to flow" is the Chemical element with the symbol F and Atomic number 9 In organic and Inorganic chemistry, nucleophilic substitution is a fundamental class of Substitution reaction in which an "electron rich" An elimination reaction is a type of Organic reaction in which two Substituents are removed from a molecule in either a one or two-step mechanism. The substitution on the carbon, the acidity of an adjacent proton, the solvent conditions, etc. all can influence the outcome of the reactivity.

Chemical class	Group	Formula	Structural Formula	Prefix	Suffix	Example
haloalkane	halo	RX		halo-	alkyl halide	Chloroethane (Ethyl chloride)
fluoroalkane	fluoro	RF		fluoro-	alkyl fluoride	Fluoromethane (Methyl fluoride)
chloroalkane	chloro	RCl		chloro-	alkyl chloride	Chloromethane (Methyl chloride)
bromoalkane	bromo	RBr		bromo-	alkyl bromide	Bromomethane (Methyl bromide)
iodoalkane	iodo	RI		iodo-	alkyl iodide	Iodomethane (Methyl iodide)

Groups containing oxygen

Compounds that contain C-O bonds each possess differing reactivity based upon the location and hybridization of the C-O bond, owing to the electron-withdrawing effect of sp² hybridized oxygen and the donating effects of sp³ hybridized oxygen. Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane Abundance Owing to their high Reactivity, the halogens are found in the environment only in compounds or as Ions Halide ions and oxoanions Chloroethane or monochloroethane, commonly known by its old name ethyl chloride, is a Chemical compound once widely used in producing Tetra-ethyl lead The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane Fluorine, fluorum meaning "to flow" is the Chemical element with the symbol F and Atomic number 9 Fluoromethane, also known as methyl fluoride, Freon 41, Halocarbon-41 and HFC-41, is a non-toxic liquefiable and flammable The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane Chlorine (ˈklɔriːn from the Greek word 'χλωρóς' ( khlôros, meaning 'pale green' is the Chemical element with Atomic number 17 and Chloromethane, also called Methyl chloride, R-40 or HCC 40 is a Chemical compound of the group of Organic compounds called Haloalkanes. The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane The Chemical compound bromomethane, commonly known as methyl bromide, is an organic Halogen compound with formula C[[Hydrogen The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane Iodine (ˈaɪədaɪn ˈaɪədɪn or /ˈaɪədiːn/ from ιώδης iodes "violet" is a Chemical element that has the symbol I and Atomic Iodomethane, commonly called Methyl iodide and commonly abbreviated "MeI" is the Chemical compound with the formula CH3I -->In Chemistry

Chemical class	Group	Formula	Structural Formula	Prefix	Suffix	Example
Acyl halide	Haloformyl	RCOX		haloformyl-	-oyl halide	Acetyl chloride (Ethanoyl chloride)
Alcohol	Hydroxyl	ROH		hydroxy-	-ol	Methanol
Ketone	Carbonyl	RCOR'		keto-, oxo-	-one	Methyl ethyl ketone (Butanone)
Aldehyde	Aldehyde	RCHO		aldo-	-al	Acetaldehyde (Ethanal)
Carbonate	Carbonate ester	ROCOOR			alkyl carbonate
Carboxylate	Carboxylate	RCOO−		carboxy-	-oate	Sodium acetate (Sodium ethanoate)
Carboxylic acid	Carboxyl	RCOOH		carboxy-	-oic acid	Acetic acid (Ethanoic acid)
Ether	Ether	ROR'		alkoxy-	alkyl alkyl ether	Diethyl ether (Ethoxyethane)
Ester	Ester	RCOOR'			alkyl alkanoate	Ethyl butyrate (Ethyl butanoate)
Hydroperoxide	Hydroperoxy	ROOH		hydroperoxy-	alkyl hydroperoxide	Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
Peroxide	Peroxy	ROOR		peroxy-	alkyl peroxide	Di-tert-butyl peroxide

Groups containing nitrogen

Compounds that contain Nitrogen in this category may contain C-O bonds, such as in the case of amides. Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties An acyl halide (also known as an acid halide) is a Chemical compound derived from an Oxoacid by replacing a Hydroxyl group with a Acetyl chloride, also known as ethanoyl chloride, is an Acid chloride (also known as an Acyl chloride) derived from Acetic acid ( Ethanoic In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon Hydroxyl in Chemistry stands for a molecule consisting of an Oxygen atom and a Hydrogen atom connected by a Covalent bond. Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, carbinol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a Chemical compound A ketone (pronounced as key tone) is either the Functional group characterized by a Carbonyl group (O=C linked to two other Carbon atoms or In Organic chemistry, a carbonyl group is a Functional group composed of a Carbon Atom double-bonded to an Oxygen Butanone is a manufactured organic chemical. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp sweet butterscotch odor reminiscent of Acetone. An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a terminal Carbonyl group. An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a terminal Carbonyl group. Acetaldehyde, sometimes known as ethanal, is an organic chemical compound with the formula C[[Hydrogen H]]3CH O or MeCHO A carbonate ester is a Functional group in Organic chemistry consisting of a Carbonyl group flanked by two Alkoxy groups A carbonate ester is a Functional group in Organic chemistry consisting of a Carbonyl group flanked by two Alkoxy groups Carboxylic acids are Organic acids characterized by the presence of a Carboxyl group, which has the formula -C(=OOH usually written -COOH or -CO2H A carboxylate anion is an Ion with Negative charge that contains the group -COO&minus Sodium acetate, (also sodium ethanoate) is the Sodium salt of Acetic acid. Carboxylic acids are Organic acids characterized by the presence of a Carboxyl group, which has the formula -C(=OOH usually written -COOH or -CO2H Carboxyl group or CO2H is a Functional group present in Amino acids and Carboxylic acids Its structure is composed of one carbon atom attached Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic chemical compound, giving Vinegar its sour taste Ether is a class of Organic compounds which contain an ether group — an Oxygen Atom connected to two (substituted Alkyl Ether is a class of Organic compounds which contain an ether group — an Oxygen Atom connected to two (substituted Alkyl Diethyl ether, also known as ether and ethoxyethane, is a clear colorless and highly Flammable liquid with a low Boiling point and a Esters are a class of Chemical compounds and Functional groups Esters consist of an inorganic or organic Acid in which at least Esters are a class of Chemical compounds and Functional groups Esters consist of an inorganic or organic Acid in which at least Ethyl butyrate, also known as ethyl butanoate, or butyric ether, is an Ester with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3 Organic peroxides are Organic compounds containing the Peroxide Functional group (ROOR' Organic peroxides are Organic compounds containing the Peroxide Functional group (ROOR' Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP is an Organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to Acetone peroxide. Organic peroxides are Organic compounds containing the Peroxide Functional group (ROOR' Organic peroxides are Organic compounds containing the Peroxide Functional group (ROOR' Di- tert -butylperoxide or DTBP is a compound that will decompose aerobically and also anaerobically, making it a very interesting In Chemistry, an amide is one of three kinds of Compounds (sometimes called acid amide the organic Functional group characterized

Chemical class	Group	Formula	Structural Formula	Prefix	Suffix	Example
Amide	Carboxamide	RCONR2		carboxamido-	-amide	Acetamide (Ethanamide)
Amines	Primary amine	RNH2		amino-	-amine	Methylamine (Methanamine)
	Secondary amine	R2NH		amino-	-amine	Dimethylamine
	Tertiary amine	R3N		amino-	-amine	Trimethylamine
	4° ammonium ion	R4N+		ammonio-	-ammonium	Choline
Imine	Primary ketimine	RC(=NH)R'		imino-	-imine
	Secondary ketimine	RC(=NR)R'		imino-	-imine
	Primary aldimine	RC(=NH)H		imino-	-imine
	Secondary aldimine	RC(=NR')H		imino-	-imine
Imide	Imide	RC(=O)NC(=O)R'		imido-	-imide
Azide	Azide	RN3		azido-	alkyl azide	Phenyl azide (Azidobenzene)
Azo compound	Azo (Diimide)	RN2R'		azo-	-diazene	Methyl orange (p-dimethylamino-azobenzenesulfonic acid)
Cyanates	Cyanate	ROCN		cyanato-	alkyl cyanate
	Isocyanide	RNC		isocyano-	alkyl isocyanide
Isocyanates	Isocyanate	RNCO		isocyanato-	alkyl isocyanate	Methyl isocyanate
	Isothiocyanate	RNCS		isothiocyanato-	alkyl isothiocyanate	Allyl isothiocyanate
Nitrate	Nitrate	RONO2		nitrooxy-, nitroxy-	alkyl nitrate	Amyl nitrate (1-nitrooxypentane)
Nitrile	Nitrile	RCN		cyano-	alkanenitrile alkyl cyanide	Benzonitrile (Phenyl cyanide)
Nitrite	Nitrosooxy	RONO		nitrosooxy-	alkyl nitrite	Isoamyl nitrite (3-methyl-1-nitrosooxybutane)
Nitro compound	Nitro	RNO2		nitro-		Nitromethane
Nitroso compound	Nitroso	RNO		nitroso-		Nitrosobenzene
Pyridine derivative	Pyridyl	RC5H4N		4-pyridyl (pyridin-4-yl) 3-pyridyl (pyridin-3-yl) 2-pyridyl (pyridin-2-yl)	-pyridine	Nicotine

Groups containing phosphorus and sulfur

Compounds that contain sulfur and phosphorus exhibit unique chemistry due to their ability to form more bonds than nitrogen and oxygen, their lighter analogues on the periodic table. Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties In Chemistry, an amide is one of three kinds of Compounds (sometimes called acid amide the organic Functional group characterized Carboxamides are drugs that can be used as Anticonvulsants. In Organic chemistry carboxamides (or Amino Carbonyls are Functional Acetamide (or acetic acid amide or ethanamide) CH3CONH2 the Amide of Acetic acid, is a white crystalline solid in Amines are Organic compounds and Functional groups that contain a basic Nitrogen Atom with a Lone pair. Amines are Organic compounds and Functional groups that contain a basic Nitrogen Atom with a Lone pair. Methylamine is the Chemical compound with a formula of CH3NH2 Amines are Organic compounds and Functional groups that contain a basic Nitrogen Atom with a Lone pair. Dimethylamine is an Organic compound with the formula (CH32NH Amines are Organic compounds and Functional groups that contain a basic Nitrogen Atom with a Lone pair. Trimethylamine is an Organic compound with the formula N(CH33 Quaternary ammonium cations, also known as quats, are positively charged Polyatomic ions of the structure NR4+ with R being Choline is an Organic compound, classified as a water-soluble Essential nutrient and usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex An imine is a Functional group or Chemical compound containing a Carbon – Nitrogen Double bond. An imine is a Functional group or Chemical compound containing a Carbon – Nitrogen Double bond. An imine is a Functional group or Chemical compound containing a Carbon – Nitrogen Double bond. An imine is a Functional group or Chemical compound containing a Carbon – Nitrogen Double bond. An imine is a Functional group or Chemical compound containing a Carbon – Nitrogen Double bond. Organic chemistry In Organic chemistry, imide is a Functional group consisting of two Carbonyl groups bound to Nitrogen. Organic chemistry In Organic chemistry, imide is a Functional group consisting of two Carbonyl groups bound to Nitrogen. Azide is the anion with the formula N3− It is the Conjugate base of Hydrazoic acid. Azide is the anion with the formula N3− It is the Conjugate base of Hydrazoic acid. Phenylazide is an organic compound with the formula C6H5N3 It is one of the prototypical organic azides Azo compounds are compounds bearing the Functional group R-N=N-R' in which R and R' can be either Aryl or Alkyl. Azo compounds are compounds bearing the Functional group R-N=N-R' in which R and R' can be either Aryl or Alkyl. Methyl orange is a PH indicator frequently used in Titrations. The cyanate Ion is an Anion consisting of one Oxygen Atom, one Carbon atom and one Nitrogen atom − in that The cyanate Ion is an Anion consisting of one Oxygen Atom, one Carbon atom and one Nitrogen atom − in that An isocyanide (also called an isonitrile) is an Organic compound with the Functional group R-N≡C Isocyanate is the Functional group of atoms &ndashN=C=O (1 Nitrogen, 1 Carbon, 1 Oxygen) not to be confused with the Cyanate Isocyanate is the Functional group of atoms &ndashN=C=O (1 Nitrogen, 1 Carbon, 1 Oxygen) not to be confused with the Cyanate Methyl isocyanate (MIC is an organic compound with the molecular formula C2H3NO arranged as H3C-N=C=O Isothiocyanate is the Chemical group - N = C = S, formed by substituting Sulfur for Oxygen in the Isocyanate Allyl isothiocyanate is the Organosulfur compound with the formula CH2CHCH2NCS In Inorganic chemistry, a nitrate is a salt of Nitric acid with an Ion composed of one Nitrogen and three Oxygen atoms In Inorganic chemistry, a nitrate is a salt of Nitric acid with an Ion composed of one Nitrogen and three Oxygen atoms Amyl nitrate is the Chemical compound with the formula CH3(CH24ONO2 A nitrile is any Organic compound which has a - C ≡ N Functional group. A nitrile is any Organic compound which has a - C ≡ N Functional group. Benzonitrile is the Chemical compound with the formula C6H5CN abbreviated PhCN This Aromatic Organic compound is The nitrite Ion is NO2− The anion is bent being Isoelectronic with O3. The nitrite Ion is NO2− The anion is bent being Isoelectronic with O3. Amyl nitrite is the Chemical compound with the formula C5H11ONO Nitro compounds are Organic compounds that contain one or more nitro Functional groups (-2 Nitro compounds are Organic compounds that contain one or more nitro Functional groups (-2 Nitromethane is an Organic compound with the chemical formula CH3NO2 Nitroso refers to a Functional group in Organic chemistry which has the general formula RNO Nitroso refers to a Functional group in Organic chemistry which has the general formula RNO Nitrosobenzene is the Organic compound with the formula C6H5NO Pyridine is a Chemical compound with the formula C5[[Hydrogen H5]] N. Pyridine is a Chemical compound with the formula C5[[Hydrogen H5]] N. Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0

Chemical class	Group	Formula	Structural Formula	Prefix	Suffix	Example
Phosphine	Phosphino	R3P		phosphino-	-phosphane	Methylpropylphosphane
Phosphodiester	Phosphate	HOPO(OR)2		phosphoric acid di(substituent) ester	di(substituent) hydrogenphosphate	DNA
Phosphonic acid	Phosphono	RP(=O)(OH)2		phosphono-	substituent phosphonic acid	Benzylphosphonic acid
Phosphate	Phosphate	ROP(=O)(OH)2		phospho-		Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate
Sulfide or thioether		RSR'			di(substituent) sulfide	Dimethyl sulfide
Sulfone	Sulfonyl	RSO2R'		sulfonyl-	di(substituent) sulfone	Dimethyl sulfone (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Sulfonic acid	Sulfo	RSO3H		sulfo-	substituent sulfonic acid	Benzenesulfonic acid
Sulfoxide	Sulfinyl	RSOR'		sulfinyl-	di(substituent) sulfoxide	Diphenyl sulfoxide
Thiol	Sulfhydryl	RSH		mercapto-, sulfanyl-	-thiol	Ethanethiol (Ethyl mercaptan)
Thiocyanate	Thiocyanate	RSCN		thiocyanato-	alkyl thiocyanate
Disulfide	Disulfide	RSSR'			alkyl alkyl disulfide	Diphenyl disulfide 1,2-diphenyldisulfane

Other

• For a list of all functional groups: Category:Functional groups

References

External links

• IUPAC Blue Book (organic nomenclature)
• IUPAC ligand abbreviations (pdf)