The two functional groups present in a typical carbohydrate are

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in the general formula Cₓ(H₂O)ᵧ. They are the primary source of energy in living organisms and are also structural components in cells. A typical carbohydrate molecule contains two key functional groups: the hydroxyl group (–OH) and the carbonyl group (–C=O).

The hydroxyl group (–OH) is present in multiple positions throughout the carbohydrate structure. It makes carbohydrates highly polar and capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water, which is why most simple carbohydrates (like glucose and fructose) are soluble in water. These hydroxyl groups are also reactive and participate in forming glycosidic bonds when monosaccharides link together to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

The carbonyl group (–C=O) is present either as an aldehyde group (–CHO) in aldoses (e.g., glucose) or as a ketone group (>C=O) in ketoses (e.g., fructose). This functional group is crucial for the classification of carbohydrates and is also chemically reactive, participating in oxidation-reduction reactions and contributing to the reducing property of sugars.

Thus, the combination of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups defines the chemistry of carbohydrates, influencing their solubility, reactivity, and biological roles.