What Are Derivatives?
In organic chemistry, derivatives are compounds formed when one or more hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon are replaced by atoms or groups like halogens, hydroxyl, nitro, or carboxyl groups. These modified compounds retain the basic carbon framework but show different physical and chemical properties due to new functional groups.
Types of Organic Derivatives
| Derivative Type | Functional Group | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Halogen Derivatives | –X (Cl, Br, I) | CH₃Cl (chloromethane) |
| Alcohols | –OH | CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol) |
| Amines | –NH₂ | CH₃NH₂ (methylamine) |
| Nitro Compounds | –NO₂ | CH₃NO₂ (nitromethane) |
| Carboxylic Acids | –COOH | CH₃COOH (acetic acid) |
| Esters | –COOR | CH₃COOCH₃ (methyl acetate) |
| Ketones | –CO– | CH₃COCH₃ (acetone) |
| Aldehydes | –CHO | CH₃CHO (acetaldehyde) |
| Ethers | –O– | CH₃OCH₃ (dimethyl ether) |
Formation of Derivatives
- Substitution: CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl
- Addition: CH₂=CH₂ + HBr → CH₃CH₂Br
- Oxidation: CH₂=CH₂ + [O] → CH₂OH–CH₂OH
Importance of Derivatives
- Used in medicines, dyes, and polymers.
- Help identify chemical structures.
- Show specific reactivity due to functional groups.
- Vital in biological systems (hormones, enzymes).
Real-Life Examples
- Aspirin: Derivative of salicylic acid.
- PVC: Derived from chloroethene.
- Halothane: Halogenated derivative used in anesthesia.
Quiz: Derivatives in Organic Chemistry
- Which of the following is a halogenated derivative of methane?
Answer: CH₃Cl - What functional group is present in esters?
Answer: –COOR - Which reaction forms a derivative?
Answer: CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl - Which compound is NOT a derivative of ethene?
Answer: CH₃CH₃ - –NO₂ belongs to which derivative type?
Answer: Nitro Compounds - What derivative is formed when ethene reacts with cold KMnO₄?
Answer: CH₂OH–CH₂OH - Aspirin is a derivative of?
Answer: Salicylic Acid - Most reactive in nucleophilic substitution?
Answer: Haloalkane
