Unit 1 - Functional Groups

Question 1

Describe the hydroxyl group

Answer 1

• Compounds: Alcohols
• Characteristics: polar due to electronegative O, increased solubility of molecule due to H-bonds, attracts water molecules to dissolve organic compounds

Question 2

Describe the carbonyl group

Answer 2

• Compounds: Ketones and Aldehydes
• Characteristics: Found in ketones if carbonyl is within the C-skeleton, in aldehydes if it is at the end
• Polar

Question 3

Describe the carboxyl group

Answer 3

• Compounds: Carboxylic acids, organic acids
• Characteristics: Frequently ionize to release the H from hydroxyl
• Highly polar and reactive
• Participate in H bonding

Question 4

Describe the amine group

Answer 4

• Compounds: Amines
• Characteristics: Polar, as N is more electronegative than both carbon and hydrogen
• Weakly basic
• Often become ionized

Question 5

Describe the sulfhydryl group

Answer 5

• Compounds: Thiols
• Characteristics: Slightly polar
• Two sulfhydryl groups can combine to form a disulfide bridge
• Strong odour

Question 6

Describe the phosphate group

Answer 6

• Compounds: Organic phosphates
• Characteristics: Polar as O atoms are electronegative, can participate in ionic bonds due to negative charge
• Can transfer energy b/w molecules

Question 7

Describe the methyl group

Answer 7

• Compounds: Methylated compounds
• Characteristics: Unreactive, affects expression of genes in DNA, as well as M/F sex hormone arrangement