Functional groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. 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. This allows for systematic prediction of chemical reactions and behavior of chemical compounds and design of chemical syntheses. Furthermore, the reactivity of a functional group can be modified by other functional groups nearby.

Overview

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. The same functional group will behave in a similar fashion, by undergoing the same or similar chemical reaction(s), regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of. However, its relative reactivity can be modified by other functional groups nearby. The atoms of functional groups are linked to each other and to the rest of the molecule by covalent bonds.

Common functional groups

Functional groups can be classified into several broad categories including hydrocarbons, halocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, amines, aromatics, and heterocycles. Each of these groups exhibits its own characteristic chemical behavior.

Importance in biochemistry

In biochemistry, functional groups can have decisive influence on the chemical behavior of a molecule. For example, the presence of an amino group can make a molecule behave as a base, while a carboxyl group can make it behave as an acid.

See also

• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Covalent bond
• Amino group
• Carboxyl group

References

Functional groups Resources
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