Question

Which of the statements below best describes a functional group?

• A. It is the non-polar section of an organic molecule
• B. It is a highly reactive group of elements with similar outer shell electron configurations
• C. It is an atom or a group of atoms which determines the chemical properties of a compound
• D. It is the part of a chelate ligand attracted to the central ion

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

It is an atom or a group of atoms which determines the chemical properties of a compound

Functional groups are specific groups or recognizable group of atoms or bonds within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. These functional group give characteristic properties to the carbon chain to which it is attached, e.g., aldehydic group or carboxylic group.