CBSENEETJEEClass 10
What is a functional group?
Answer
A functional group is an atom or group of atoms in a molecule that determines the chemical properties of an organic compound.
The working
Definition
A functional group is a specific atom or group of atoms that gives characteristic chemical properties to a compound.
Role
It is the reactive part of the molecule and largely decides how the compound behaves in reactions.
Examples
Common functional groups include hydroxyl (–OH), aldehyde (–CHO), carboxyl (–COOH), and ketone (>C=O).
Importance
Compounds with the same functional group show similar chemical behaviour and form a homologous series.
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