Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

Hydroxyl Group

  • Name: Hydroxyl

  • Formula: -OH

  • Characteristics: Polar; Hydrophilic

  • Example of macromolecules: Carbohydrates; alcohols

Carbonyl Group

  • Name: Carbonyl

  • Formula: >C=O

  • Characteristics: Polar; Hydrophilic

  • Example of Macromolecules: Present in lipids and sugars.

Carboxyl Group

  • Name: Carboxyl

  • Formula: -COOH

  • Characteristics: polar; hydrophilic; can donate H+ (can ionize); can act as an acid

  • Example of macromolecule: Found in carboxylic acids

Amino Group

  • Name: Amino

  • Formula: -NH2

  • Characteristics: Polar; Hydrophilic; can pick up H+, can act as a base

  • Example of Macromolecules: Proteins

Phosphate Group

  • Name: Phosphate

  • Formula: -OPO_2^{2-}

  • Characteristics: Polar; Hydrophilic

  • Example of Macromolecule: DNA

Methyl Group

  • Name: Methyl

  • Formula: -CH3

  • Characteristics: Forms methylated compounds; can affect function of molecules; non-polar;hydrophobic

  • Examples of Macromolecules: chemical modification of DNA