Glycolic acid functional group(s)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether the -OH group in glycolic acid should be classified as a functional group or a substituent, given the presence of the carboxylic acid group. It is noted that under most naming conventions, the -OH group is considered a substituent, while chemically, it acts as a functional group. Glycolic acid is identified as difunctional due to having both a carboxylic acid and a hydroxyl group. The conversation highlights the distinction between nomenclature and chemical functionality, emphasizing the complexity of classifying groups in organic compounds. Links to additional resources are provided for further exploration of the topic.
shihab-kol
Messages
119
Reaction score
8
Hey guys, should the -OH group in glycolic acid be considered a functional group or a substituent due to the presence of the carboxylic acid group?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
shihab-kol said:
a functional group or a substituent
What, in your view, is the difference? And how would the presence of a carboxyl group make a difference?
 
It's a "substituent" under most naming conventions, but chemically it's a functional group. Glycolic acid is difunctional.
 

Thread 'Solubility of MgSO47H2O in water'

It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
View full post »

Thread 'Why does having 8 valence electrons make an element inert?'

I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
View full post »

Similar threads

(S)-2,3- Dihydroxypropanal priority
Replies
5
Views
1K
What are the Oxidation States of Carbon in Sebacic Acid and Propylene Glycol?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Chemistry Ester to acid chloride transformation
Replies
4
Views
2K
Comparing acidity of 2 substituted benzoic acids
Replies
18
Views
5K
Neucleophilic Acyl substitution of unsymmetrical Acid Anhydrides
Replies
1
Views
5K
Most acidic proton: first semester organic chemistry
Replies
3
Views
4K
Which compound will be extracted in organic layer?
Replies
3
Views
5K
Hydration of Alkenes: Need for Acid
Replies
4
Views
2K
IUPAC naming - choosing the main branch doubts
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can You Leave Out the 1's When Naming Organic Compounds?
Replies
2
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top