Functional group

A specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule that gives it characteristic chemical properties and reactions. Functional groups help organize organic compounds by their reactivity and structure.

Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when atoms share electron pairs. Functional groups are defined by the covalent bonds linking their atoms.
Inductive effect: The transmission of electron density through sigma bonds due to differences in electronegativity. It changes the acidity and reactivity of groups attached through a carbon chain.
Alcohol (chemistry): An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a saturated carbon atom. The hydroxyl group gives alcohols characteristic hydrogen bonding and oxidation reactions.
Ether: An organic compound in which an oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon groups. Unlike an alcohol, an ether has no O–H bond and cannot donate hydrogen bonds.
Valence electron: An electron in an atom’s outer shell that can participate in chemical bonding. Valence electrons determine the bonding patterns that make each group distinctive.
Resonance: The representation of electron delocalization using multiple contributing Lewis structures. Delocalization stabilizes groups such as carboxylates and amides.
Aldehyde: An organic compound containing a terminal carbonyl group bonded to hydrogen. Its carbonyl group makes aldehydes readily oxidized and susceptible to nucleophilic addition.
Ketone: An organic compound whose carbonyl carbon is bonded to two carbon groups. Its internal carbonyl distinguishes it from an aldehyde’s terminal carbonyl.
Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. A group’s shape influences how it interacts with other molecules.
Acid–base reaction: A reaction involving transfer of a proton or, more broadly, an electron pair. Many functional groups gain or lose protons, changing their charge and reactivity.

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