Organic Chemistry Quiz: Part 3

Functional Groups: These are the 'active sites' of organic molecules. Key groups include Alcohols (-OH), which are polar and can hydrogen bond, and Ethers (R-O-R'), which are less reactive solvents.

The Carbonyl ($>C=O$): This powerful group is central to many families. In Aldehydes (R-CHO) it's at the end of a chain. In Ketones (R-CO-R') it's in the middle. In Carboxylic Acids (-COOH) it's attached to an -OH, making the molecule acidic.

Acid Derivatives: Replacing the -OH of a carboxylic acid gives other groups. Replacing with -OR' gives an Ester (-COO-R'), known for pleasant smells. Replacing with -$NH_2$ gives an Amide (-CONH_2), the basis of proteins.