Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
electricity flows in an electrical circuit. If there is no difference in electrical potential
between the ends of a wire, electricity will not flow. However, if a charge is applied to
one end of the wire, then the wire becomes polarized and electricity flows. If we
imagine a simple hydrocarbon such as ethane, we can analogously relate this system to
a nonpolarized wire. Both carbon atoms possess the same density of electrons and thus
ethane has no polarity. However, if functionality is added to ethane through introduction
of groups bearing heteroatoms, the polarity changes and electron flow can be used to
induce chemical reactions. These heteroatom-bearing groups are known as functional
groups and serve to donate or withdraw electron density.
While functional groups can be either electron donating or electron withdrawing,
these properties rely upon the specific heteroatoms the functional group is composed of
as well as the configuration of these heteroatoms relative to one another. With respect to
Figure 1.3 Common organic functional groups.
