How To Classify Compounds By Family

Introduction

When it comes to studying chemistry, one of the most important things you need to know is how to classify compounds. This involves grouping them based on their properties and characteristics. In this article, we will be discussing how to classify compounds by family, which is a crucial step in understanding the behavior and reactivity of different compounds.

What is a Compound?

Before we dive into the different families of compounds, it is essential to understand what a compound is. A compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Types of Compounds

There are two main types of compounds: organic and inorganic. Organic compounds contain carbon atoms that are covalently bonded to other elements, while inorganic compounds do not contain carbon atoms.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are the compounds that contain carbon atoms. They are classified into different families based on the functional group present in the molecule. The most common functional groups are:

Alkanes

Alkanes are the simplest organic compounds and are made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they have single bonds between all carbon atoms in the molecule.

Alkenes

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in the molecule.

Alkynes

Alkynes are also unsaturated hydrocarbons but contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms in the molecule.

Alcohols

Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom in the molecule. They are named by replacing the -e ending of the alkane name with -ol.

Aldehydes and Ketones

Aldehydes and ketones both contain a carbonyl group (C=O) in the molecule. Aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain, while ketones have it in the middle of the carbon chain.

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) bonded to a carbon atom in the molecule. They are named by replacing the -e ending of the alkane name with -oic acid.

Esters

Esters are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols. They contain an -O- bond between the carbonyl carbon and the oxygen atom of the alcohol group. They are named by replacing the -ic acid ending of the carboxylic acid name with -ate.

Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon atoms. They are classified into different families based on their properties and characteristics. The most common families of inorganic compounds are:

Acids

Acids are compounds that can donate protons (H+) to other compounds. They are classified into two groups: mineral acids and organic acids.

Bases

Bases are compounds that can accept protons (H+) from other compounds. They are classified into two groups: strong bases and weak bases.

Salt

Salts are compounds that are formed by the reaction of an acid and a base. They are made up of positive and negative ions and are usually soluble in water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to classify compounds by family is a crucial step in studying chemistry. By grouping compounds based on their properties and characteristics, we can better understand their behavior and reactivity. Whether you are studying for a chemistry exam or just interested in learning more about compounds, we hope this article has been helpful.