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1.7 Functional Group

Functional groups are groups of atoms within a molecule that have a consistent and
specific behaviour. Functional group could be an atom or a group of atoms within a
molecule that is responsible for its characteristic chemical reactions. The presence
of functional groups in the polymer will cause the properties of the polymer varied.

Name Formula Structure

Alcohols ROH

Phenols ArOH

Ethers ROR

Esters RCOR’

Carboxylic Acids RCOH

Amides RCONH2

Table 1.1: Functional groups and their structure.

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