IB Chemistry S3.2 Definitions
This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for S3.2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Functional groups'.
organic compound
A compound containing carbon
primary carbon
A carbon bonded to one other carbon
primary nitrogen (amine)
A nitrogen bonded to one carbon
quaternary carbon
A carbon bonded to four other carbons
secondary carbon
A carbon bonded to two other carbons
secondary nitrogen (amine)
A nitrogen bonded to two carbons
skeletal formula
Simplified stuctural formulas that only show lines and assume a carbon at each junction is fully saturated with hydrogens
structural isomer
A molecule with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula than another molecule
tertiary carbon
A carbon bonded to three other carbons
tertiary nitrogen (amine)
A nitrogen bonded to three carbons
Next Up
You have completed the topic 3 definitions for IB Chemistry - continue with related resources below or explore the full IB Chemistry course from the IBO.
Other topic 3 resources
Explored IB Chemistry Definitions?
Get stuck into one of our other subjects!
Other subjects' Definitions
Join 85,000 students, across 130+ countries, in 500+ IB schools. That's half of the IB science graduates worldwide.
Start a 7d free trial