10.1b Distinguish between Classes and Functional groups

Functional groups are the reactive parts of molecules.

Ex: OH (name hydroxyl group) is the functional group of methanol

Classes are groups of molecules with similar characteristics.

Ex: above are four members of the alcohol class.

The distinction between class names and functional group names needs to be made. Eg for OH, hydroxyl is the functional group whereas alcohol is the class name.

This compound is called Phenol. It is a member of class Arene, it has a functional group Hydroxyl (OH)

Class Alcohol has  functional group Hydroxyl (OH), but OH doesn't mean it has to be an alcohol

Memorize the table below!