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Chapter 11: Problem 33

What are functional groups? Why is it logical and useful to classify organic compounds according to their functional groups?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Functional groups are specific group of atoms within molecules with their own unique properties and taking part in chemical reactions. Classifying organic compounds according to their functional groups is logical and useful because these groups determine the reactivity and properties of the compounds. Based on the functional groups, we can, to a great extent, predict the behavior of the compounds in different chemical reactions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groupings of atoms within molecules that have their own unique properties, regardless of the other atoms or molecules present. They’re the most reactive part of a molecule and participate in chemical reactions. These groups play a significant role in determining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds.
02

Importance of Functional Groups

Functional groups are important in the study of organic chemistry because they help us organize and categorize organic compounds. Each functional group has a particular set of behaviours in a chemical reaction, which allows us to predict how a compound will react. Identifying the functional groups in a compound can help in predicting the chemical reactions that the compound can undergo.
03

Examples of Classifying Organic Compounds According to their Functional Groups

For example, all organic compounds that contain a carboxyl (COOH) group fall under the class of carboxylic acids. These compounds, irrespective of the size or the nature of the remaining part of the molecule, will show similar chemical properties. Consider acetic acid (CH3COOH) and benzoic acid (C6H5COOH); though they have different molecular structures and are different compounds, they both contain the carboxyl group and exhibit similar properties, such as producing H+ ions in solution and reacting with metals to produce hydrogen gas. This is why it is logical to classify organic compounds according to their functional groups.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give examples of a chiral substituted alkane and an achiral substituted alkane.

Draw all possible isomers for the molecule \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{8}\).

Which of these amino acids are chiral: (a) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right) \mathrm{COOH}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right) \mathrm{COOH}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}(\mathrm{OH}) \mathrm{CH}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right) \mathrm{COOH} ?\)

The combustion of \(20.63 \mathrm{mg}\) of compound \(\mathrm{Y}\), which contains only \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{H},\) and \(\mathrm{O}\), with excess oxygen gave \(57.94 \mathrm{mg}\) of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(11.85 \mathrm{mg}\) of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\). (a) Calculate how many milligrams of \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{H},\) and \(\mathrm{O}\) were present in the original sample of \(Y\). (b) Derive the empirical formula of Y. (c) Suggest a plausible structure for \(\mathrm{Y}\) if the empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula.

Like ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{4}\right)\) undergoes polymerization reaction to form polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Draw a repeating unit of the polymer.
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