An 'atom' or 'a group of atoms' which makes a carbon compound (or organic compound) reactive and decides its properties (or functions) is called a functional group. The alcohol group, −OH, present in ethanol, C2H5OH, is an example of a functional group.
2.
|
|
Molecular Formula |
Functional group |
(a) |
Acetaldehyde |
CH3CHO |
-CHO |
(b) |
Oxalic acid |
|
-COOH |
(c) |
Dimethyl ether |
CH3-O-CH3 |
-O- |
(d) |
Methylamine |
CH3NH2 |
-NH2 |