Functional Groups

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When an atom or group of atoms bonded to a carbon atom in the chain or ring of an organic compound, shown some characteristic properties of their own, they are termed as a functional group. Thus, a functional group is an atom or group of atoms which determine the chemical behavior of an organic compound. All the compounds having a particular functional group behave alike. For example all compounds containing -OH (hydroxyl) group undergo similar reactions.

The functional group present in the following molecules are encircled.

Common functional groups and their families of compound