Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific clusters of atoms that dictate the chemical behavior and reactivity of organic molecules.
Common Groups
- Hydroxyl (-OH): Found in alcohols; increases solubility in water.
- Carboxyl (-COOH): Found in carboxylic acids; acidic nature impacts pH balance.
- Amine (-NH2): Basic group crucial for protein and neurotransmitter structure.
- Carbonyl (C=O): Present in aldehydes and ketones; site of nucleophilic attack.
Nursing Significance
- Determines drug polarity and binding affinity to receptors.
- Influences how substances undergo oxidation-reduction in the liver.
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