Detailed Summary
Functional groups are crucial in organic chemistry as they define the chemical behavior of carbon-based compounds. A functional group is an atom or a group of atoms within a molecule that is primarily responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. In this section, three significant functional groups are discussed:
- Alcohols (-OH): Characterized by the hydroxyl group, alcohols can participate in hydrogen bonding, influencing their boiling points and solubility.
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Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
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Carboxylic Acids (-COOH): These contain the carboxyl group and are weak acids, often found in organic reactions due to their acidic nature.
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Example: Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH)
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Halides (-Cl, -Br): Compounds with halogen atoms which can serve as important intermediates in chemical synthesis.
- Examples: Methyl chloride (CH₃Cl), Ethyl bromide (C₂H₅Br)
Understanding functional groups enables chemists to predict the reactivity and interactions of organic compounds, forming the basis for further study of organic reactions and mechanisms.