Question

What is meant by a functional group? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

Functional group: An atom or a group of atoms which determine the properties of an organiccompound is called a functional group.  
For example: The alcohol group -OH is also known as an alcoholic group or hydroxyl group. The compounds in which the alcohol group is present are termed as alcohols. The general formula of an alcohol is R-OH (R is an alkyl group) like ethanol which has the molecular formula C₂H₅OH. All the compounds having this functional group will have similar properties.