MAKE CONNECTIONS Which chemical group is most likely to be responsible for an organic molecule behaving as a base?a. hydroxylb. carbonylc. aminod. phosphate

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of each chemical group listed in the options.
2. Understand that a base is a substance that can accept protons (H+ ions) or donate electron pairs.
3. Consider the chemical structure of each group: hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), amino (-NH2), and phosphate (PO4^3-).
4. Recognize that the amino group (-NH2) has a nitrogen atom with a lone pair of electrons, which can accept a proton, making it a base.
5. Conclude that the amino group is most likely responsible for an organic molecule behaving as a base.

Key Concepts

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of organic compounds. Understanding functional groups is essential for predicting how a molecule will behave in a chemical reaction.

Basicity

Basicity refers to the ability of a substance to accept protons (H+) or donate electron pairs in a chemical reaction. In organic chemistry, certain functional groups, such as amino groups, can act as bases by accepting protons, thus influencing the molecule's behavior in biological and chemical contexts.

Amino Group

The amino group (-NH2) is a functional group that consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. It is known for its basic properties, as it can accept a proton to form an ammonium ion. This characteristic makes amino groups crucial in the structure and function of amino acids and proteins.