Question

What is meant by a functional group? Identify the functional group in the following compounds.

(a) acetaldehyde

(b) oxalic acid

(c) dimethyl ether

(d) methylamine

Answer 1

1. A functional group ¡s an atom or a specific combination of bonded atoms that react in a characteristic way, irrespective of the organic molecule in which it is present

2.

		Molecular Formula	Functional group
(a)	Acetaldehyde	CH3CHO	-CHO
(b)	Oxalic acid		-COOH
(c)	Dimethyl ether	CH3-O-CH3	-O-
(d)	Methylamine	CH3NH2	-NH2