Question

Functional group  Explain the following terms with example

Answer 1

The compound acquire specific chemical properties due to these hetero atoms or the groups of atoms that contain hetero atoms, irrespective of length and nature of the carbon chain in that
compound. Therefore these hetero atoms or groups of atoms containing hetero atoms are called the functional groups.
Example: Methyl alcohol, acetic acid.

• In methane (CH₄), when one hydrogen atom is replaced by an -OH group, methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), is formed. The -OH is known as the alcoholic functional group.
• Similarly, from methane (CH₄) when one hydrogen atom is replaced by -COOH group, acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is formed. The -COOH group is known as the carboxylic acid functional group.