Functional group
Functional Group
A Functional Group (/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ɡruːp/), in the field of Organic Chemistry, is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. The same functional group will undergo the same or similar chemical reaction(s) regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of.
Etymology
The term "Functional Group" is derived from the function that this group of atoms serves within the molecule. It was first used in the context of chemistry in the early 20th century.
Types of Functional Groups
Functional groups can be classified into several categories, including Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amides, and Amines. Each of these groups has a distinct set of properties and undergoes specific chemical reactions.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. They are the simplest type of organic compound and serve as the basis for more complex molecules.
Alcohols
Alcohols are organic compounds in which a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) is bound to a carbon atom.
Ethers
Ethers are a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group — an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups.
Aldehydes
Aldehydes are organic compounds containing a formyl group. This functional group, with the structure R-CHO, consists of a carbonyl center bonded to hydrogen and an R group.
Ketones
Ketones are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group in which the carbon atom is covalently bonded to an oxygen atom.
Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl functional group. The general formula of a carboxylic acid is R–COOH, with R referring to the rest of the molecule.
Esters
Esters are a class of organic compounds that commonly occur in biological systems. They are characterized by a carbonyl adjacent to an ether group.
Amides
Amides are organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group linked to a nitrogen atom. They are derived from carboxylic acids.
Amines
Amines are organic compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair of electrons.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Functional group
- Wikipedia's article - Functional group
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