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Introduction to Functional Groups

Introduction to Functional Groups

Functional groups are group of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups are found along the carbon backbone of macromolecules can form chains or rings of carbon atoms. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of common functional groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry. (The...

Overview of Advanced Functional Groups

Overview of Advanced Functional Groups

Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.

Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

Bond Dissociation Energy and Activation Energy

Bond Dissociation Energy and Activation Energy

Bond energy is the energy required to break a bond homolytically. These values are usually expressed in units of kcal/mol or kJ/mol and are referred to as bond dissociation energies when given for specific bonds or average bond energies when indicated for a given type of bond over many compounds. Firstly, the bond dissociation energy for a single bond is weaker than that of a double bond, which in turn is weaker than that of a triple bond. Secondly, hydrogen forms relatively strong bonds with...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Covalent Attachment of Single Molecules for AFM-based Force Spectroscopy

Covalent Attachment of Single Molecules for AFM-based Force Spectroscopy

Published on: March 16, 2020

Functional group dependent dissociative electron attachment to simple organic molecules.

Vaibhav S Prabhudesai¹, Dhananjay Nandi, Aditya H Kelkar

¹Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Colaba, Mumbai, India.

The Journal of Chemical Physics

|April 25, 2008

Summary

Dissociative electron attachment (DEA) studies reveal H(-) ion formation is dominant in organic molecules. Functional group dependence influences this process, impacting electron chemistry and biological radiation damage.

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Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F−

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Published on: July 27, 2018

Area of Science:

Physical Chemistry
Chemical Physics
Atomic and Molecular Physics

Background:

Dissociative electron attachment (DEA) is a fundamental process involving electron-molecule interactions.
Understanding DEA is crucial for fields ranging from plasma physics to radiation chemistry.
Previous studies have explored DEA in simple molecules, but functional group effects in organic compounds require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To measure dissociative electron attachment (DEA) cross sections for simple organic molecules: acetic acid, propanoic acid, methanol, ethanol, and n-propyl amine.
To identify the dominant DEA channel and the energy dependence of H(-) ion formation.
To investigate the influence of molecular functional groups on DEA processes.

Main Methods:

Utilized a crossed beam experiment to measure DEA cross sections.
Analyzed the formation of H(-) ions as a primary indicator of DEA.
Compared experimental results with data from other molecules like NH(3), H(2)O, and CH(4).

Main Results:

H(-) ion formation was identified as the dominant DEA channel for the studied organic molecules.
This H(-) formation occurs at higher energies (>4 eV) via core-excited resonances.
A significant functional group dependence was observed in the H(-) channel cross sections, a novel finding.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates a clear functional group dependence in the dissociative electron attachment of simple organic molecules.
This dependence provides insights into electron-induced chemistry and the mechanisms of radiation damage in biological systems.
The findings open avenues for controlling electron-driven chemical reactions and understanding radiobiological effects.