A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. Functional groups often contain elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. They can significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of the compounds they are part of.
Here are some common functional groups and their general formulas:
- Hydroxyl (-OH): Found in alcohols, such as ethanol (C2H5OH).
- Carbonyl (C=O): Present in aldehydes (RCHO) and ketones (R2CO).
- Carboxyl (-COOH): Found in carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid (CH3COOH).
- Amino (-NH2): Found in amines and amino acids, such as glycine (NH2CH2COOH).
- Phosphate (-PO4): Present in organic phosphates, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- Sulfhydryl (-SH): Found in thiols, such as cysteine (HSCH2CH(NH2)COOH).
References for Further Reading
- Brock, J. (2019). Organic Chemistry. Cengage Learning: This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of organic chemistry, including functional groups and their properties.
- McMurry, J. (2016). Organic Chemistry. Cengage Learning: This is another authoritative source that covers the structure and reactivity of various functional groups.
- Carey, F. A., & Sundberg, R. J. (2007). Advanced Organic Chemistry, Part A: Structure and Mechanisms. Springer: This book goes into greater detail about functional groups and their roles in organic reactions.
These references provide foundational knowledge on functional groups and their significance in organic chemistry.
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