Class of hydrocarbons that contain only carbon and hydrogen

aka Paraffins

Carbon to Carbon single bonds- gives molecule flexibility

C_nH_2n+2

C₃H₈

Alkane 

Symbolized by R

R-Cl: alkyl chloride 

Hydrogen is removed from alkane is leaves alkyl group 

aka Olefins

Have carbon to carbon double bonds 

More reactive than alkanes 

C_nH_2n

inflexible

allow for cis/trans isomerism 

C₂H₄

alkene 

aka Acetylenes

Contain carbon-carbon triple bond 

C_nH_2n-2

Benzene ring as functional group

aka Arenes 

Carbon atoms form six-membered ring which is flat and inflexible

Very stable

Exhibit resonance 

Delocalization of double bonds around the ring

Makes molecules very stable 

Functional group is the hydroxyl group (OH)

Covalently bonded and does not act as a base

Allows for hydrogen bonding and increases water solubility 

R-OH

aka Phenols

R-O-R

oxygen bridge between 2 alkyl groups

Present volitile anesthetics are ethers 

Functional groups derived from Ammonia (NH₃)

R₃N, where R can be alkyl group or hydrogen

Can form hydrogen bonds and be more soluble in water 

Bases the can accept a proton to form an ammonium salt 

an Alkyl group and a hydrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl group 

Rare amoung naturally occuring compunds 

Two alkyl groups bonded to a carbonyl group

form during the metabolism of fats 

Carbonyl group bonded with a hydroxyl group 

Hydrogen ion can easily leave acid group causing a reduction in pH in solution 

Condensation products between carboxylic acids and alcohols 

Have plesant odor

Undergo hydrolysis resulting in the separation of the groups 

undergoes rapid hydrolysis 

succinic acid and choline are formed 

Condensation products between carboxylic acids and amines 

Proteins are the most biologically important example 

More resistant to hydrolysis than esthers