How can I identify functional groups in organic chemistry?

Functional groups are the groups of atoms that are attached to the carbon backbone of organic molecules.

Functional groups are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of organic . They are less stable than the carbon backbone and are more likely to take part in chemical reactions. They determine the characteristics and chemical reactivity of organic molecules.

The same functional group undergoes the same chemical reactions regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of.

Some common functional groups are:

Example

Identify the functional groups in the tetracycline molecule shown below.

Solution

Starting from the left hand ring and going clockwise around the carbon backbone, the functional groups are:

Benzene ring Alcohol Amine Alcohol (this one has a special name — an enol) Alkene Amide Ketone Alcohol Alcohol (enol) Alkene Ketone Alcohol (this one has a special name — a phenol)