10. Functional Groups

Question 1

While organic compounds can undergo a wide variety of chemical reactions, only certain portions of their structure undergo chemical transformations. These portions are collectively known as ‘functional groups’

Answer 1

• a functional group is an atom or group of atoms within an organic molecule that give the molecule a characteristic set of predictable physical + chemical properties + behaviours

Question 2

• a particular functional group, in whatever organic molecule it occurs, undergoes the same types of chemical reaction

Answer 2

• organic compounds are divided into families of compounds by their functional group

Question 3

• organic compounds are named on the basis of their functional group

Answer 3

• the functional group in alkenes + alkynes is the double + triple bond respetively, about which most reactivity takes place

Question 4

• functional groups include:

Answer 4

• alcohols
• ethers
• thiols
• disulfides
• amines
• aldehydes + ketones
• carboxylic acid
• carboxylic anhydrides, esters + amides