Which of the following functional groups is commonly found in organic materials used in green building construction?

• A. Nitro group (–NO_2)
• B. Hydroxyl group (–OH)
• C. Perchlorate group (–ClO_4)
• D. Cyanide group (–CN)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: it asks which functional group is commonly found in organic materials used in green building construction. This means we are looking for a functional group that is both organic and relevant to environmentally friendly materials.
2. Recall the nature of each functional group: the nitro group (–NO_2), perchlorate group (–ClO_4), and cyanide group (–CN) are generally associated with explosives, oxidizers, or toxic compounds, and are not typically found in green building materials.
3. Focus on the hydroxyl group (–OH), which is a common functional group in many organic compounds such as alcohols, carbohydrates, and cellulose. These compounds are abundant in natural, renewable materials like wood and plant fibers used in green construction.
4. Recognize that the hydroxyl group contributes to properties like hydrogen bonding and moisture absorption, which are important in materials like wood and natural fibers, making them suitable for sustainable building applications.
5. Conclude that the hydroxyl group (–OH) is the functional group commonly found in organic materials used in green building construction due to its prevalence in natural polymers and environmentally friendly materials.