Chapter 3, Problem 1TY

Which of the following is a common functional group found in organic molecules?

1. a hydrocarbon
2. a ketone
3. an isomer
4. a carbon atom
5. an oxygen atom

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Every organism on Earth has organic molecules and macromolecules which belong to 4 categories. They are Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Each type of these compounds has its own type of functional group. The functional group is defined as a group of atoms involved in characteristic reactions of a particular compound. Examples for functional groups are hydroxyl, carbonyl, methyl, aromatic rings, amino groups, phosphate groups, esters, etc.

Answer to Problem 1TY

The correct answer is option (d) a carbon atom.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (d) a carbon atom. Organic compounds are chemical compounds in which one or more carbon atoms are covalently linked to different kinds of atoms most commonly oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur. Apart from simple hydrocarbons, most organics molecules have functional groups. Such as carbonyl as in ketones, aldehydes and carboxyl, methyl. In all these functional groups, the carbon atom has involved in arranging into a functional group. So, a carbon atom is the common functional group found in organic molecules.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) a hydrocarbon. Simple hydrocarbons like alkane do not have functional groups. So, they are less involved in chemical reactions. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option (b) a ketone. A ketone is a functional group with the structure of R(C=O)R’. These R groups are C containing alkyl groups. So, ketones also include C atoms. This is not a common functional group in an organic molecule. This option is incorrect.

Option (c) an isomer. Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but have different functional groups or arrangements of atoms. Isomer itself is not a functional group. So, this option is incorrect.

Option (e) an oxygen atom. In organic compounds, O atoms covalently bind with C atoms to form functional groups like ketones, aldehydes, carboxyl, and alcohol. But this is not an atom that is commonly involved in functional groups in organic compounds. This option is incorrect.

Conclusion

A carbon atom is the common functional group found in organic molecules.