A Comprehensive Guide to Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry: Their Reactivity, Properties, and Role in Chemical Reactions

One or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by another atom or group of atoms called a Functional Group.

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific atoms or groups of atoms that replace one or more hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon molecule

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific atoms or groups of atoms that replace one or more hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon molecule. These functional groups confer specific chemical and physical properties to the organic molecule, allowing for a wide range of chemical reactions and interactions.

Functional groups can be broadly classified into two categories: reactive and non-reactive functional groups. Reactive functional groups are directly involved in chemical reactions and can undergo various types of reactions, while non-reactive functional groups do not participate in chemical reactions and are primarily responsible for the physical properties of the molecule.

Some common examples of reactive functional groups include hydroxyl (OH), amino (NH2), carboxyl (COOH), and carbonyl (C=O). These groups can undergo reactions such as hydration, condensation, and oxidation, leading to the formation of new compounds with different properties.

On the other hand, non-reactive functional groups, also known as substituents, are responsible for determining the physical properties of the organic molecule. Examples of non-reactive functional groups include alkyl (R), halogen (Cl, Br, I), and nitro (NO2) groups. These groups do not undergo chemical reactions but can influence the solubility, boiling point, and other physical properties of the molecule.

Understanding functional groups is crucial in organic chemistry as it allows chemists to predict the reactivity and properties of organic compounds based on the presence of specific functional groups. By identifying the functional groups in a molecule, scientists can also determine the possible reactions that may occur and design synthetic routes to target specific compounds or modify existing ones.

In summary, functional groups are specific atoms or groups of atoms that replace hydrogen atoms in organic molecules. They can be reactive or non-reactive, and they determine the chemical and physical properties of organic compounds, as well as their reactivity in various chemical reactions.

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