Functional Group
Functional groups are the specific group of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They are the components of organic compounds that dictate their properties and reactivity. Common functional groups include:
- Hydroxyl group (–OH): confers the properties of alcohols, making them hydrophilic.
- Aldehyde group (–CHO): typically found at the end of carbon chains and involved in various biochemical processes.
- Carboxylic acid group (–COOH): characterized by a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group, contributing to the acidity of organic compounds.
These functional groups dictate the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds and the types of reactions they undergo. For instance, a compound containing a hydroxyl group is likely to behave as an alcohol, while those with a carboxylic acid group will act as acids.
Furthermore, compounds containing the same functional group are grouped into homologous series, which show a gradual change in their physical properties as the molecular size increases. The concept of functional groups is essential for understanding structure-activity relationships, reactivity patterns, and the systematic nomenclature of organic compounds.