Functional Group

Functional Group

A functional group may be defined as an atom or group of atoms linked with carbon and hydrogen framework of organic compound that determines the characteristics properties of organic compounds.

In an organic compound there are two types of groups; one is functional group and another is skeleton of carbon and hydrogen atom which is alkyl group.

E.g. CH3—OH (In methanol compounds, CH3 is an alley group and OH is the functional group.)

Characteristics of Functional Group:

a. A functional group gives the identification of the compound.

b. The properties of organic compounds are collected by its functional group.

c. A functional group is specific in its nature.

d. The reactivity of organic compounds is determined by its functional group.

The group of compounds with some functional group is called class or family.