Classify each organic compound as a hydrocarbon or a functionalized hydrocarbon. For functionalized hydrocarbons, identify the compound’s family. a. H3C-CH2OH

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of the given compound: H3C-CH2OH.
2. Determine if the compound contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms. If it does, it is a hydrocarbon. If it contains other atoms, it is a functionalized hydrocarbon.
3. Observe that the compound contains an -OH group, which is an alcohol functional group.
4. Classify the compound as a functionalized hydrocarbon because it contains an -OH group.
5. Identify the family of the functionalized hydrocarbon: The presence of the -OH group classifies it as an alcohol.

Key Concepts

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. They can be classified into two main categories: aliphatic hydrocarbons, which include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, which contain one or more aromatic rings. Understanding the structure and types of hydrocarbons is essential for classifying organic compounds.

Functionalized Hydrocarbons

Functionalized hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain additional functional groups, which are specific groups of atoms that impart characteristic properties and reactivity to the molecule. These functional groups can include alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, and more. Identifying these groups is crucial for classifying the compound and understanding its chemical behavior.

Alcohols

Alcohols are a family of functionalized hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. The compound in the question, H3C-CH2OH, is an alcohol known as ethanol, which belongs to the alcohol family. Recognizing the family of a functionalized hydrocarbon helps in predicting its properties and reactions.