Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

This course is a part of Chemistry, a 18-course Topic series from Khan Academy.

The properties of organic molecules depend on the structure, and knowing the names of organic compounds allow us to communicate with other chemists. We'll be learning about different aspects of molecular structure, including common functional groups and conformations.

This course contains 5 segments:

Naming alkanes

Methane, ethane, propane, butane . . . by the time you get to five carbons you might have some pent up frustration. By six carbons you might even believe that you are hexed! Don’t worry though, you’ll feel sane again once Sal shows you how to name alkanes in this tutorial.

Naming alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicyclic compounds

Do you speak the language of organic chemistry? Nomenclature running rings around you? Feel like the victim of a vicious cycle? In this tutorial, we will learn how to be fluent in naming alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicyclic compounds.

Conformations of alkanes

Feeling unsure about conformations? If you need a little more perspective on alkanes, try looking at them from Newman’s point of view. The result might leave you feeling more stable.

Conformations of cycloalkanes

Do conformations float your boat? If so, pull up a chair and learn about the different conformations of cyclohexane.

Functional groups

The chemistry of every organic compound is determined by the functional groups it contains. In this tutorial, we put the fun back into identifying functional groups!