How can I identify functional groups in organic chemistry?
1 Answer
Functional groups are the groups of atoms that are attached to the carbon backbone of organic molecules.
Functional groups are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of organic compounds. They are less stable than the carbon backbone and are more likely to take part in chemical reactions. They determine the characteristics and chemical reactivity of organic molecules.
The same functional group undergoes the same chemical reactions regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of.
Some common functional groups are:
Example
Identify the functional groups in the tetracycline molecule shown below.
Solution
Starting from the left hand ring and going clockwise around the carbon backbone, the functional groups are:
Benzene ring
Alcohol
Amine
Alcohol (this one has a special name — an enol)
Alkene
Amide
Ketone
Alcohol
Alcohol (enol)
Alkene
Ketone
Alcohol (this one has a special name — a phenol)
