Functional Groups and Naming Rules
Homologous series are families of compounds that share the same functional group. Each series has its own naming pattern - alkanes end in "-ane", alkenes end in "-ene", alcohols end in "-ol", and so on. Learning these patterns will save you loads of time in exams.
The key functional groups you need to know include alcohols −OH, aldehydes C=Oattheend, ketones C=Ointhemiddle, carboxylic acids −COOH, and esters (COO link). Each one gives the molecule completely different properties.
Naming rules follow a simple system: find the longest carbon chain first, then identify any branches, and finally add the appropriate prefixes and suffixes. It's like following a recipe - do it in the right order and you'll get the right name every time.
Remember: The functional group is like a molecule's personality - it determines how the compound will behave in reactions!