An amine is characterized by what functional group?
A.-CO2CH3
B.-NH2
C.-CO2H
D.-CHO
E.-OH
B.-NH2
The correct answer is B. Amines are characterized by the functional group -NH2.
An amine is characterized by the functional group -NH2. To determine the correct answer, we need to understand what a functional group is and what distinguishes an amine from other functional groups.
A functional group is a specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for its characteristic chemical reactions and properties. In organic chemistry, the functional groups are the reactive portions of organic molecules. They define the behavior and reactivity of the compound.
Among the given options -CO2CH3, -NH2, -CO2H, -CHO, and -OH, the functional group -NH2 corresponds to an amine. The -NH2 functional group consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. It is commonly called an amino group and is found in many important compounds, such as amino acids, proteins, and DNA.
Therefore, the correct answer is B.-NH2.