What are functional groups in NCERT?

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Detailed Solution

In NCERT Chemistry (especially Class 10 and 11), a functional group is defined as:

An atom or group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of an organic compound.

Key Points about Functional Groups

Functional groups are the reactive part of a molecule responsible for chemical reactions.
They are usually attached to a hydrocarbon chain (the parent chain).
Compounds with the same functional group exhibit similar chemical behavior.

Common Functional Groups in NCERT

Functional Group	Structure	Family	Example
Hydroxyl	–OH	Alcohol	Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH)
Aldehyde	–CHO	Aldehyde	Ethanal (CH₃CHO)
Ketone	>C=O	Ketone	Propanone (CH₃COCH₃)
Carboxyl	–COOH	Carboxylic acid	Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH)
Amino	–NH₂	Amine	Aminoethane (CH₃CH₂NH₂)
Halogen	–Cl, –Br, –I	Haloalkane	Chloroethane (CH₃CH₂Cl)

Importance of Functional Groups

Helps classify organic compounds into homologous series.
Allows prediction of chemical reactions.
Basis of IUPAC nomenclature.
Essential for understanding organic chemistry.

Final Definition

A functional group is a specific group of atoms in a molecule that is responsible for the molecule’s characteristic chemical reactions and properties.

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