The some 9 million organic compounds are classified into families according to their structural features and similar chemical reactivity. The chemistry of each organic molecule is determined by the functional group or groups that it contains.
Functional groups are an atom or group of atoms that have a characteristic chemical behavior.
The carbon atom is SP3 hybridized and has four equivalent valance electrons. Review the hybridization of orbitals that was given in Lecture Notes l, and be sure that you understand this concept. Such isomers have the same chemical formula, but have different chemical arrangements or structures and properties. An alkyl functional group is formed when a hydrogen atom is removed from an alkane. A good discussion of the rules of nomenclature for Alkanes is found Chapter 3 of your text.