General formulae
2 marks · HardDescribe, with an example, what is meant by a functional group in organic chemistry.
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A functional group is an atom or group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of a compound. For example, the –OH group in alcohols gives them their specific reactions.
Also accept: Functional group: a group of atoms that gives a compound its chemical properties, e.g. C=C in alkenes.
Common mistakes: Giving only an example with no definition.; Saying only 'it is a group of atoms' without linking to chemical properties.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Defines a functional group as an atom or group of atoms responsible for the characteristic chemical properties of a compound.
B2 · 1 mark · Gives a correct example, such as –OH in alcohols, or C=C in alkenes.
Worked solution
A functional group is a group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of a compound. For example, the –OH group is the functional group in alcohols.