Question

Explanation

Given: slime and borate ion molecules


Required: several questions


Solution
A functional group is a specific group of atoms or bonds within a molecule that is responsible for its chemical properties and reactions. Slime molecules are usually made of polymers, which are long chains of repeating units called monomers. Borax contains tetraborate ions, which have boron-oxygen bonds as their functional groups. When glue and borax are mixed, the boron-oxygen bonds form hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups, creating a cross-linked network of polymers that gives slime its elasticity and viscosity. For slime made from glue and borax, acetic acid can break the cross-links between the polyvinyl alcohol molecules and the borate ions, making the slime less viscous and more liquid-like.


Answer


1. Hydroxyl groups. Water molecules also have hydroxyl groups as their functional groups, since water is composed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.


2. Hydrogen bonds. When glue and borax are mixed, the boron-oxygen bonds form hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups.


6. More liquid.

Answer 1

Functional groups are specific collections of atoms within molecules that determine their chemical reactions and physical properties. They are categorized as hydrophobic or hydrophilic and as acidic or basic. Knowing functional groups allows chemists and biologists to predict molecular behavior and interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

Functional groups are specific collections of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In organic chemistry, these groups can be broadly categorized as hydrophobic or hydrophilic, which relates to their solubility in water, and as acidic or basic, which is based on their ability to release or accept protons (H+ ions). Important functional groups include hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate, and methyl groups. These groups can interact with other molecules such as water, thereby affecting the physical properties and reactivity of the organic molecules they are part of.

For instance, a carboxyl group, found in amino acids and fatty acids, when ionized, releases hydrogen ions making the molecule hydrophilic. The hydroxyl group, another example, can form hydrogen bonds with water, contributing to the solubility of molecules like alcohols in water. This aspect of functional groups is fundamental in various biological molecules, influencing their structure and function in physiological processes.

The understanding of functional groups is crucial in predicting the behavior of organic compounds. Common reactions associated with functional groups, such as addition, substitution, and oxidation, enable chemists to synthesize a wide variety of compounds and explore the complexity of chemical reactions in biological systems.