# chemical group

**Pronunciation:** ˈkɛmɪkl ɡruːp · KEM-ih-kul GROOP

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** noun phrase

## Meaning

A specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

## Examples

- The presence of the carboxyl group makes the molecule acidic.
- Researchers studied how the amino group affects protein folding.
- Alkyl groups are common substituents in organic chemistry.

## Synonyms

- functional group — The most common and direct synonym, emphasizing its role in reactions.
- moiety — A more technical term for a distinct part or portion of a molecule, often a group.
- radical — Historically, referred to a group of atoms that could not be broken down further; now often used for reactive species.

## Antonyms

- atom — A single fundamental unit of matter, as opposed to a group of atoms.
- molecule — The smallest particle of a substance that retains all chemical and physical properties; can be a single atom or a group of atoms.

## Common patterns

- chemical group of — Referring to a specific type of group within a larger context. — This is a common chemical group of compounds found in plants.
- chemical group responsible for — The part of a molecule that causes a particular effect or reaction. — The hydroxyl group is responsible for the molecule's polarity.

## Collocations

- identify a chemical group — The first step is to identify the chemical group responsible for the color.
- add a chemical group — Scientists can add a chemical group to modify the properties of a polymer.
- remove a chemical group — The reaction involves removing a chemical group from the substrate.
- specific chemical group — Each enzyme has a specific chemical group that binds to its substrate.

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