Functional Groups

Functional groups are responsible for the chemistry of organic molecules. Below is a set of organic molecules with different functional groups $($some have more than one$).$ The task is to $1)$ determine the answers to the questions that follow, and $2)$ determine a working definition of functional group for your group.

As a group, answer each of the following and give reasons for your answer. The reasons for your answer are more important than your answer. After you have answered or attempted all of them try to develop a working definition of functional group for yourself and your group. NOTE: some may be a little more difficult.

Octane $(C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_3)$ is a component of gasoline because it burns easily and is otherwise unreactive. Which of the above might be used a fuel for similar reasons?

The smell of skunks that many of us are familiar with is from a mixture of thiols, $C{H}_{3}SH$ and $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}SH.$ Human noses are very sensitive to thiols and can smell them in the parts per billion range. Which of the above might have an unpleasant smell?

Aspirin $($acetylsalicylic acid$)$ is a pain reliever $($the structure is below$).$ Which one above might also be a pain reliever?

Cinnamaldehyde is responsible for the smell of cinnamon. Which of the above might have a pleasant food smell?

Sucrose is a sugar with a sweet taste that some of us enjoy. Which of the above might be used as an artificial sweetener?

Definition: