This appendix collects the functional groups introduced in Chapter 1 into a single structured reference: identity, geometry, polarity, hybridization, and typical reactivity for each group, followed by a family tree and an interconversion map showing how groups transform into one another across the handbook.

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How to Read an Entry

Each entry lists five things:

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Hydrocarbons

Low. Undergo radical halogenation and combustion but do not react with most common reagents. Function as the unreactive “scaffold” that other functional…

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Halogen-Containing Groups

The halogen is a good leaving group, so alkyl halides are the classic substrate for substitution (Chapter 7) and elimination (Chapter 8) reactions.

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Oxygen-Containing Groups

Weakly acidic at O–H (Chapter 3); the oxygen is nucleophilic, and the hydroxyl can be converted into a leaving group for substitution or eliminated to form…

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Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives

Acidic at O–H (Chapter 3); the conjugate base (carboxylate) is resonance-stabilized across both oxygens. Converted to acid chlorides, esters, and amides via…

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Nitrogen-Containing Groups

The nitrogen lone pair is both basic (Chapter 3) and strongly nucleophilic — amines are common nucleophiles in substitution and acyl substitution reactions.

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Aromatic Heterocycles

Retains aromatic character and undergoes substitution rather than addition; the heteroatom strongly influences reactivity and where substitution occurs…

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Summary Table

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Functional Group Family Tree

Alkanes (single bonds) Alkenes (one or more C=C) Alkynes (one or more C≡C) Arenes (aromatic rings)

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Functional Group Interconversion Map

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Cross-References