Functional Group & Homologous Series

Some compounds have more than one functional group:

Role of Functional Groups

Chemical Reactivity:

• Functional groups dictate how a compound reacts.
• Example: Alkenes (C=C) undergo addition reactions, while alkanes do not.

Physical Properties:

• Functional groups influence boiling points, solubility, and state.
• Example: Alcohols (–OH) are soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding.

Synthesis and Applications:

• Functional groups allow targeted synthesis of complex molecules (e.g., esters for fragrances).