There are several ways to approach a study of organic chemistry. Organic compounds often can be described as having a hydrocarbon component together with reactive centers called functional groups. Reactions of organic compounds, then, involve changing one functional group into another. This model serves as a useful oversimplification.

Web-based listings of functional groups can be found at U. Cal. San Diego. They are included in the Virtual Textbook of Organic Chemistry (functional groups).

Practice with these materials to learn common functional group names. The sections below devoted to each functional group will include reactions, or how functional groups are produced and used in reactions.