AP Bio Unit 1: Chp 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life - Functional Groups

Functional groups

The components of organic molecules that are most commonly involved in chemical reactions; give each molecule unique properties

Hydroxyl

(-OH) or (HO-)

Properties of Hydroxyl

Polar (ex: Alcohol) (usually ends in -ol)

Methyl

(-CH3)

Properties of Methyl

Nonpolar (ex: methylated compound)

Carbonyl

>C=O

Properties of Carbonyl

Polar (ex: ketone, acetone, aldehyde)

Carboxyl

-COOH

Properties of Carboxyl

Charged, ionizes to release H+ Since this group can release H+ ions into solution they are considered acidic (Ex: vinegar)

Amino

-NH2

Properties of amino

Charged accepts H+ to form NH3+ Since this group can remove H+ from solutions they are considered basic (Ex: Amine)

Phosphate

-OPO3^2-

Properties of Phosphate

Charged, ionizes to release H+, Since they release H+ ions into solution, acidic

Sulfhydryl

-SH

Properties of Sulfhydryl

Polar (ex: Thiol)