Question

What is meant by a functional group in an organic compound?

Answer 1

1. A functional group is defined as an atom or a group of atoms that give some characteristic properties to a compound.
2. Functional group increases the reactivity of respective Carbon compounds.
3. Common Functional groups are
   1. Hydroxyl (or Alcoholic group, $\mathbf{-}\mathbf{OH}$)
   2. Aldehydic group ($\mathbf{-}\mathbf{CHO}$)
   3. Ketonic group ($\mathbf{-}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{=}\mathbf{O}$)
   4. Carboxyl group ($\mathbf{-}\mathbf{COOH}$)
   5. Ester Group ($\mathbf{-}\mathbf{COOR}$)
   6. Amino group ($\mathbf{-}{\mathbf{NH}}_{\mathbf{2}}$)