Functional Group Explorer

Learn to identify functional groups on 3D molecules with guided walkthroughs and interactive practice.

Ethanol

CH₃CH₂OH

1 group
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Concepts

What Are Functional Groups?

Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms that determine a molecule's chemical behavior. They are the "active sites" of organic molecules.

Why do they matter?

The same functional group behaves similarly regardless of what molecule it's attached to. A -COOH group is acidic whether it's on acetic acid or an amino acid.

Common groups

Hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), carboxylic acid (-COOH), amine (-NH₂), and ester (-COO-) are among the most important functional groups in organic chemistry.

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About This Molecule

Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH)

1 functional group · Hydroxyl (-OH)