Q1P - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Identify the functional groups in each of the following molecules:

(a) Methionine, an amino acid:

(b)Ibuprofen, a pain reliever:

(c) Capsaicin, the pungent substance in chili peppers:

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) 

(b)

(c) 

Step 1: Functional groups

Certain functional groups are designated differently if other functional groups are also present. If a molecule contains a double bond and no other functional group is present, then it is an alkene, but it is considered a C-C double bond if other functional groups are present.

Step 2(a): The functional groups in Methionine

In Methionine, there is a total of three functional groups present- one sulfide (-S) group, one carboxylic acid (-COOH) group, and one amine ($-{\mathrm{NH}}_2$) group.  

                           Methionine

Step 3(b): The functional groups in Ibuprofen

In Ibuprofen, there are two functional groups present- one carboxylic acid (-COOH) group and one aromatic ring.  

                    Ibuprofen

Step 4(c): The functional groups in Capsaicin

In Capsaicin, there are a total of five functional groups present- one alcohol (-OH) group, one ether (-ROR) group, one amide (-CONH) group, one C-C double bond, and one aromatic ring.  

                                                       Capsaicin