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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...

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis is the process of identifying elements, ions, or compounds in an unknown sample. It is the first and most fundamental type of analysis based on the hierarchy of analytical goals. This hierarchy is significant as it provides a structured approach to scientific research, with qualitative analysis serving as the initial step, providing essential information before moving on to quantitative or other forms of analysis.
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...

Protecting Groups for Aldehydes and Ketones: Introduction

Protecting Groups for Aldehydes and Ketones: Introduction

Protecting groups are compounds that can bind to a specific functional group in the presence of other functional groups to protect them from undesired chemical reactions. These compounds can selectively bind to particular functional groups and advance chemoselective reactions in polyfunctional systems (Figure 1). After the functional group has served its purpose, it is removed by reacting it with specific compounds.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies

Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies

Published on: November 5, 2015

Probing Chemical Functional Groups in Graphene Materials Using Thermogravimetric Analysis.

Pei Lay Yap¹, Fanxiang Lei¹, Gimhani Danushika¹

¹School of Chemical Engineering, Adelaide University, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.

Analytical Chemistry

|May 14, 2026

Summary

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) offers a reliable method for quantifying chemical functional groups on graphene materials. This technique provides a cost-effective and scalable approach for quality control and industrial adoption of graphene-related 2D materials.

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Development and Functionalization of Electrolyte-Gated Graphene Field-Effect Transistor for Biomarker Detection

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Published on: February 1, 2022

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Analytical Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Graphene-related 2D materials require robust characterization for industrial use.
Accurate identification and quantification of functional groups on graphene are analytical challenges.
Conventional methods like FTIR, XPS, and EDX lack sensitivity and quantitative capability for functionalization assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a complementary method for probing chemical functional groups in functionalized graphene.
To demonstrate TGA's capability for reliable assignment, differentiation, and quantification of functional groups.
To support improved comparability, quality control, and standardization of graphene materials.

Main Methods:

Systematic evaluation of TGA for functionalized graphene samples.
Investigation of graphene functionalized with oxygen-, sulfur-, and nitrogen-containing groups.
Correlation of TGA thermal signatures with comprehensive structural and chemical characterization.

Main Results:

Distinct and reproducible mass-loss profiles were observed, corresponding to specific functional moieties.
TGA enabled reliable assignment, differentiation, and quantification of functional groups.
The TGA-based approach proved cost-effective, scalable, and high-throughput.

Conclusions:

TGA is a valuable tool for quantitative analysis of functional groups on graphene.
This method enhances quality control and standardization of graphene materials.
The findings support the broader adoption of functionalized graphene in various applications.