Question

An atom or group of atoms that imparts new and characteristic properties to an organic molecule is called a(n) group.

Short answer

The term we are looking for is called a "functional group." A functional group is an atom or group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions and properties. Organic molecules often have similar functional groups, which allows for predictable behavior and reactions in a wide range of compounds. Examples of functional groups include hydroxyl groups (OH), carbonyl groups (C=O), and amino groups (NH2).

Step-by-step solution

Define the Term

The term we are looking for is called a "functional group."

Explain the role of a functional group

A functional group is an atom or group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions and properties. Organic molecules often have similar functional groups, which allows for predictable behavior and reactions in a wide range of compounds. Examples of functional groups include hydroxyl groups (OH), carbonyl groups (C=O), and amino groups (NH2).

Key concepts

Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are fundamental to life and consist mainly of carbon atoms. They can also include elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The unique ability of carbon to form four covalent bonds allows these molecules to create various complex structures such as chains, rings, and branching networks. This structural diversity is one of the reasons organic molecules are so essential in biology and chemistry.
Organic molecules can be simple, like methane (CH₄), or complex, like proteins and DNA in living organisms. These molecules' variety and complexity account for the rich chemical properties and reactions exhibited in organic chemistry. Understanding the structural nature of organic molecules helps us grasp how they function and interact within a biological context.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of substances through the breaking and formation of chemical bonds. In the context of organic chemistry, these reactions are often influenced by the presence of specific atoms or groups of atoms known as functional groups.
Functional groups play an essential role in determining a molecule's reactivity and interaction with other substances. For instance, an alcohol which contains a hydroxyl group (OH), will react differently than an aldehyde with a carbonyl group (C=O). The knowledge of how these functional groups contribute to chemical reactions helps in predicting the behavior of complex organic molecules during these reactions. Some common types of chemical reactions in organic chemistry include:

• Substitution reactions: Where an atom or group of atoms is replaced by another atom or group.
• Addition reactions: In which atoms are added to double or triple bonded carbon atoms.
• Elimination reactions: Involving the removal of atoms to form double or triple bonds.

Recognizing the role of functional groups in these reactions is vital for anyone studying organic chemistry.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds, which include not just hydrocarbons, but also compounds with a variety of other elements. This field is extensive, given the diversity of organic molecules and the reactions they can undergo.
A key element of organic chemistry is understanding how functional groups affect the properties and reactions of organic molecules. Functional groups are specific groupings of atoms within molecules that have their own characteristic properties, regardless of the molecules they are found in. For example:

• Hydroxyl groups (OH) make alcohols, which are often soluble in water and have acidic properties.
• Carbonyl groups (C=O) found in ketones and aldehydes contribute to their distinctive smells and reactivity.
• Amino groups (NH₂) are pivotal in forming amino acids and proteins.

Recognizing these functional groups aids in predicted reactivity and function in larger molecules. Understanding these aspects allows chemists to design and manipulate compounds for a myriad of applications, from pharmaceuticals to innovative materials.