Functional Groups

BIO 1 X-1L

Definition
A functional group is an atom,
group of atoms or bond that gives
a molecule a particular set of
chemical and physical properties
It is the reactive part of the
molecule.

Definition (cont.)

Carbon is a central element to life

because most biological
molecules are built on a carbon
framework.
For example, the addition of an
OH group to a hydrocarbon
molecule always results in the
formation of an alcohol.

KINDS OF
FUNCTIONAL GROUPS

Hydroxyl

Hydroxyl
Hydroxyl groups have one hydrogen
paired with one oxygen atom (symbolized
as -OH). Hydroxyl groups are not highly
reactive, but they readily form hydrogen
bonds and contribute to making
molecules soluble in water. Alcohols and
sugars are loaded with hydroxyl groups.

Formula of Hydroxyl

R OH
The letter R symbolizes the
carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Hydroxyl

OH
R

Ethanol (the drug of alcoholic beverages)

Aldehyde

Aldehyde
A functional group defined by a
carbon double bound to an oxygen
and single bound to a hydrogen;
because it is characterized by a
bond to hydrogen, it can only be
found at the ends of molecular
chains

Structure Formula of Aldehyde

The letter R symbolizes the

carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Aldehyde

Propanal

Ketones

Ketone
It is an organic compound with the
structure RC(=O)R', where R and R'
can be a variety of carbon-containing
substituents. Ketones feature a
carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two
other carbon atoms.

Formula of Ketone

The letter R symbolizes the

carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Ketone

R
Propanone (acetone)

Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic Acid
A functional group in which a
carbon atom is bonded to an
oxygen atom by a double bond
and to a hydroxyl group (OH)
by a single bond.

Formula of Carboxylic Acid

The letter R symbolizes the

carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Carboxylic Acid

R
Acetic acid (the acid of vinegar)

Amines

Amines
It is any member of a family of
nitrogen-containing
functional
group that is derived, either in
principle or in practice, from NH2.

Formula of Amine

H
R

N
H
The letter R symbolizes the
carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Amine

R
Ethylamine

Thiols
(also called mercaptan)

Thiols
It is similar to the alcohols and
phenols but containing a sulfur
atom in place of the oxygen
atom.
Thiols are among the odorous
principles in the scent of skunks
and of freshly chopped onions

Formula of Thiols

R SH
The letter R symbolizes the
carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Thiols

S
SH
R

Mercaptoethanol

Organic Phosphates
(also known as organophosphates)

Organic Phosphates
Organic
phosphates
are
characterized by a phosphate
group. These compounds are
usually
acidic.
Organic
phosphates can be found in
ATP and in DNA.

Formula of Organic Phosphate

The letter R symbolizes the

carbon skeleton to which the
functional group is attached

Example of Organic Phosphate

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate