Organic compound classification

Organic compound classification involves grouping compounds based on their chemical structures and properties. They are mainly divided into hydrocarbons (containing only carbon and hydrogen) such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, and compounds with additional elements like oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens, called functional groups. Functional groups determine a compound’s specific characteristics and reactivity. For example, alcohols have hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acids have carboxyl groups, and amines contain amino groups. This classification helps chemists understand, predict, and manipulate the behavior of these compounds in various applications, from medicine to materials science.