functional group

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | 511 words | Copyright

functional group in organic chemistry, group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for certain properties of the molecule and reactions in which it takes part. Organic compounds are frequently classified according to the functional group or groups they contain. For example, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol are all classified as alcohols since each contains a functional hydroxyl group. The accompanying table shows important functional groups and the classes of compounds in which they occur.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"functional group." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"functional group." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-functiongp.html

"functional group." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-functiongp.html

Learn more about citation styles