Explore how heteroatoms create functional groups, understand homologous series, and learn to name organic compounds
Select a demonstration to explore functional groups
| Carbon (C) | |
| Hydrogen (H) | |
| Oxygen (O) | |
| Nitrogen (N) | |
| Chlorine (Cl) |
Functional Groups: Heteroatoms (O, N, Cl, etc.) or groups of atoms that replace hydrogen in carbon chains, giving specific properties to compounds regardless of chain length.
Homologous Series: A series of compounds with the same functional group, differing by -CH₂ units. Members show gradation in physical properties but similar chemical properties.
Nomenclature: Naming carbon compounds based on: (1) Number of carbon atoms, (2) Functional group (prefix/suffix), (3) Type of bonding (saturated/unsaturated).
Heteroatoms: Elements other than carbon and hydrogen (like O, N, S, Cl) that bond with carbon chains, creating functional groups with specific properties.