Final answer:
An organic compound is classified based on the functional group it contains, which is a specific group of atoms that determines its chemical reactivity and forms the basis for systematic nomenclature.
Step-by-step explanation:
An organic compound that has a specific functional group is classified based on the type of functional group present. Functional groups are atoms or groups of atoms that confer specific chemical properties and reactivity to an organic molecule, dictating how the molecule will interact with others. The classification of an organic compound, and thus the nomenclature, primarily relies on these functional groups. Different functional groups are characteristic of different families of organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing groups, nitrogen-containing groups, sulfur-containing groups, phosphorus-containing groups, and halogen-containing groups.
For systematic naming in organic chemistry, prefixes and suffixes are often applied to the base name of the hydrocarbon to indicate the presence and position of functional groups. For example, the prefix 'form' is used for compounds with no additional carbon atoms beyond those in the functional group, while 'acet' indicates one additional carbon atom. The numbering in systematic names reflects where the functional group is located on the carbon chain of the hydrocarbon framework.