Functional Groups

Functional groups are covalently bonded sets of atoms that affect the properties of a molecule.

Molecules containing the same functional groups often exhibit similar properties and undergo similar reactions.

Naming functional groups allows for the quick identification of the atoms in a molecule, which is useful in organic chemistry and biochemistry.  

Hydrocarbons are the basis of organic molecules and contain varying numbers of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Carbon atoms in alkanes are linked together by single bonds, whereas alkenes and alkynes contain double or triple bonds, respectively.

Hydrocarbons can form closed rings. If the ring contains only single bonds, it is called a cycloalkane. If the carbons are linked together by alternating single and double bonds, it is called an aromatic ring or an aryl group.

One of the simplest non-carbon containing groups is the hydroxyl group which contains an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom. It is an important constituent of several compounds, such as methanol, water, and carbohydrates.

Another category of functional groups is the carbonyl groups, which contain a carbon and an oxygen linked together