S3.2 Functional Groups (IBDP Chemistry)

This PowerPoint lesson introduces functional groups in organic chemistry for IBDP Chemistry (first examination 2025) and helps students identify key groups by name, structure and class. It provides a clear, structured explanation of how functional groups determine the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules.

A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic reactions and properties of that compound. In organic chemistry, molecules that share the same functional group belong to the same homologous series, meaning they show similar chemical behaviour even if their carbon chains differ in length. Understanding functional groups allows students to predict reactions, recognise patterns across organic compounds and understand why molecules with the same elements can behave very differently.

This fully editable .pptx PowerPoint lesson includes clear explanations, definitions and structured examples aligned with the IB Diploma Programme chemistry course. The slides guide students through key organic chemistry terminology and introduce important classes of compounds such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides, halogenoalkanes and arenes. Students also learn about hydrocarbon families (alkanes, alkenes and alkynes), the concept of saturated and unsaturated compounds, and the role of R groups (alkyl groups) when writing general organic formulas.

The resource includes:
• A retrieval starter activity (true/false questions)
• Clear definitions of essential organic chemistry vocabulary
• Structured explanation of hydrocarbon families
• Visual examples of functional groups and their general formulas
• Explanation of alkyl ® groups and carbon chain notation
• Mini whiteboard activities to check student understanding
• Practice questions with answers for consolidation

The lesson is suitable for first teaching of functional groups or revision before organic chemistry topics later in the course.

File type included:
• Editable PowerPoint (.pptx)

Last updated: 2026 – slides refined for clarity, improved examples of functional groups, and added retrieval starter and practice questions to support active learning.