functional group
US /ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ˌɡruːp/
UK /ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ˌɡruːp/
1.
a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a particular compound
:
•
The hydroxyl group (-OH) is a common functional group in alcohols.
•
Understanding functional groups helps predict chemical reactivity.