Very briefly explain why the study of functional groups is critical to an understanding of organic chemistry. A functional group is defined as a group of atoms that are common between compounds and give rise to the characteristic physical and chemical properties of a compound. Chemical reactivity and physical properties are both strongly influenced by electron molecular structure. Therefore compounds with similar functional groups will have similar physical and chemical properties. By considering the functional groups in a compound, we can make many predictions about a compound that we have never before encountered, and perhaps has never even been synthesized.
Bond polarity is a function of the difference in electronegativity of the atoms that make up a bond.
Plants died when exposed to one enantiomer of 2,4-DP but were immune to the other enantiomer. Other studies find no noticeable toxicity in birds, but significant toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Thus the melting points of the two enantiomers of 2,4-DP are equal. Herbicidal action is a biological effect. Such biological effects are often brought about by interaction with a biological structure such as an enzyme or receptor.