Question

What is meant by a functional group in an organic compound? Give the structural formula of the functional group in Ethyl alcohol?

Answer 1

Part:1

Functional group :

1. A functional group is defined as an atom or a group of atoms that gives some characteristic properties to an organic compound.
2. A functional group is attached to the Carbon chain through its free valency or valencies.
3. It acts as the reactive side of the molecule.

Part: 2

1. The chemical formula of Ethyl alcohol- ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{5}}\mathbf{OH}$.
2. Functional group present $\mathbf{-}\mathbf{OH}\mathbf{}$.
3. The structural formula of Ethyl alcohol is shown below.