Classification & Nomenclature of Organic Compounds

Introduction to Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are primarily made of carbon atoms and are classified based on their functional groups. In this section, we will focus on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, acids, and esters.

Alkanes

• Structure: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds only. General formula: $C_nH_{2n+2}$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-ane". For example, methane $(CH_4)$, ethane $(C_2H_6)$.

Alkenes

• Structure: Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond. General formula: $C_nH_{2n}$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-ene". For example, ethene $(C_2H_4)$, propene $(C_3H_6)$.

Alkynes

• Structure: Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond. General formula: $C_nH_{2n-2}$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-yne". For example, ethyne $(C_2H_2)$, propyne $(C_3H_4)$.

Alcohols

• Structure: Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group $(-OH)$. General formula: $C_nH_{2n+1}OH$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-ol". For example, methanol $(CH_3OH)$, ethanol $(C_2H_5OH)$.

Carboxylic Acids

• Structure: Carboxylic acids contain a carboxyl group $(-COOH)$. General formula: $C_nH_{2n+1}COOH$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-oic acid". For example, methanoic acid $(HCOOH)$, ethanoic acid $(CH_3COOH)$.

Esters

• Structure: Esters are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols. General formula: $RCOOR'$.
• Naming: Named with the suffix "-oate". For example, ethyl ethanoate $(CH_3COOC_2H_5)$.

Examples

1. Name the compound $C_4H_8$.

• It is an alkene because it follows the general formula $C_nH_{2n}$.
• The name is butene.

2. Name the compound $C_3H_7OH$.

• It is an alcohol because it contains an $-OH$ group.
• The name is propanol.