The classification of organic compounds can be carried out from multiple perspectives, mainly including classification by carbon skeleton and classification by functional group.
Classification by carbon skeleton
Chain compounds: The carbon atoms in this type of organic molecule are connected into a chain structure.
Cyclic compounds: The carbon atoms in this type of organic molecule form a ring structure. Cyclic compounds can be further divided into alicyclic compounds and aromatic compounds:
Alicyclic compounds: Cyclic compounds without benzene rings.
Aromatic compounds: Compounds containing benzene rings.
Classification by functional groups
The properties of organic matter are determined by some atoms or groups of atoms (called functional groups) in its structure. Substances with the same type of functional groups usually have similar properties. Common functional groups and their corresponding types of organic matter include:
Alkanes: No functional groups, the simplest organic compound.
Olefins: Contains carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C).
Alkynes: Contains carbon-carbon triple bonds (C≡C).
Alcohol: Contains a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Phenol: Contains a phenolic hydroxyl group (Ar-OH).
Ether: Contains an ether bond (-O-).
Aldehyde: Contains an aldehyde group (CHO).
Ketone: Contains a ketone group (C=O).
Carboxylic acid: Contains a carboxyl group (-COOH).
Ester: Contains an ester group (COO-).
Halocarbon: Contains a halogen atom (such as chlorine, bromine, iodine).
Amine: Contains an amino group (-NH2).
