S3.2 Functional Group Chemistry

• S3.2.1—Organic compounds can be represented by different types of formulas. These include empirical, molecular, structural (full and condensed), stereochemical and skeletal.

  • Identify different formulas and interconvert molecular, skeletal and structural formulas.

  • Construct 3D models (real or virtual) of organic molecules.

• S3.2.2—Functional groups give characteristic physical and chemical properties to a compound. Organic compounds are divided into classes according to the functional groups present in their molecules.

  • Identify the following functional groups by name and structure: halogeno, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, alkoxy, amino, amido, ester, phenyl

  • The terms “saturated” and “unsaturated” should beincluded.

• S3.2.3—A homologous series is a family of compounds in which successive members differ by a common structural unit, typically CH2. Each homologous series can be described by a general formula.

  • Identify the following homologous series: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, ethers, amines, amides and esters.

• S3.2.4—Successive members of a homologous series show a trend in physical properties.

  • Describe and explain the trend in melting and boiling points of members of a homologous series.

• S3.2.5—“IUPAC nomenclature” refers to a set of rules used by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry to apply systematic names to organic and inorganic compounds.

  • Apply IUPAC nomenclature to saturated or mono-unsaturated compounds that have up to six carbon atoms in the parent chain and contain one type of the following functional groups: halogeno, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl.

  • Include straight-chain and branched-chain isomers.

• S3.2.6—Structural isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different connectivities.

  • Recognize isomers, including branched, straight-chain, position and functional group isomers.

  • Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, halogenoalkanes and amines should be included.

Structure 2.2—What is unique about carbon that enables it to form more compounds than the sum of all the other elements’ compounds?

Nature of science, Structure 2.2—What are the advantages and disadvantages of different depictions of an organic compound (e.g. structural formula, stereochemical formula, skeletal formula, 3D models)?

AHL Structure 2.4—What is the nature of the reaction that occurs when two amino acids form a dipeptide?

Nature of science, Reactivity 3.2, 3.4—How can functional group reactivity be used to determine a reaction pathway between compounds, e.g. converting ethene into ethanoic acid?

Nature of science, Tool 2—How useful are 3D models (real or virtual) to visualize the invisible?

Structure 2.2—What is the influence of the carbon chain length, branching and the nature of the functional groups on intermolecular forces?

AHL Structure 2.2—How does the fact that there are only 3 isomers of dibromobenzene support the current model of benzene’s structure?