Organic Chemistry - Functional group chemistry

A homologous series is a series of compounds that can be described by a general formula, such as $C_nH_{2n+2}$ for alkanes. Members show a gradation in physical properties and similar chemical properties.

Functional groups are specific atoms or groups of atoms within a molecule that determine its chemical reactivity. Examples include the hydroxyl group ($-OH$) in alcohols and the carboxyl group ($-COOH$) in carboxylic acids.

Saturated compounds contain only single carbon-carbon bonds (e.g., $CH_3CH_3$), while unsaturated compounds contain at least one double or triple carbon-carbon bond (e.g., $CH_2=CH_2$).

IUPAC nomenclature provides a systematic way to name organic compounds based on the longest carbon chain (stem), the primary functional group (suffix), and any side chains or substituents (prefix).

Structural isomers are molecules that share the same molecular formula but have different structural formulas, such as $CH_3CH_2CH_2OH$ (propan-1-ol) and $CH_3CH(OH)CH_3$ (propan-2-ol).

Primary ($1^{\circ}$), secondary ($2^{\circ}$), and tertiary ($3^{\circ}$) classifications describe the carbon atom attached to the functional group based on how many other carbon atoms are bonded to it.