Page "Organic chemistry" Paragraph 30

The concept of functional groups is central in organic chemistry, both as a means to classify structures and for predicting properties.

A functional group is a molecular module, and the reactivity of that functional group is assumed, within limits, to be the same in a variety of molecules.

Functional groups can have decisive influence on the chemical and physical properties of organic compounds.

Molecules are classified on the basis of their functional groups.

Alcohols, for example, all have the subunit C-O-H. All alcohols tend to be somewhat hydrophilic, usually form esters, and usually can be converted to the corresponding halides.

Most functional groups feature heteroatoms ( atoms other than C and H ).

Organic compounds are classified according to functional groups, alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines, etc.