Question

Define the functional group and give 2 examples. How are they formed?

Alcohols

Answer 1

Definition of functional group

A functional group is a collection of atoms within molecules that bind together to react in probable ways. Examples of functional groups include the group hydroxyl, ketone, amine, and ether.

Definition of alcohols

• Alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least one hydroxyl functional group bound to a saturated carbon atom.
• Two or more hydroxyl groups ($-\mathrm{OH}$) that are attached to the carbon atom in an alkyl group or hydrocarbon chain.
• Alcohol functional groups are found in biological molecules such as sugars, amino acids, and vitamins.
• The general formula for the alcohols is ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+1}\mathrm{OH}$ (where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule).
• It is formed by hydrolysis of halides when boiled with an aqueous solution of an alkali hydroxide gives alcohol :$\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{X}+\mathrm{KOH}\to \mathrm{R}-\mathrm{OH}+\mathrm{KX}$

For example,

Name	Formula
Methanol	${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$
Ethanol	${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-\mathrm{OH}$