Funktionalisoituminen

Funktionalisoituminen is a Finnish term that translates to "functionalization" in English. It refers to the process of introducing or modifying a functional group within a molecule. Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within a larger molecule that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. By adding or changing a functional group, chemists can alter the properties and reactivity of a compound, enabling it to participate in new types of chemical reactions or to exhibit desired physical characteristics.

This process is fundamental in organic chemistry and is employed in various applications, including drug synthesis, polymer modification, and the creation of novel materials. For instance, in pharmaceutical development, functionalization can be used to improve a drug's solubility, enhance its binding affinity to target receptors, or modify its metabolic stability. In materials science, functionalization can be used to impart specific surface properties to materials, such as making them more adhesive or chemically resistant. The precise methods used for functionalization vary widely depending on the molecule and the desired functional group, and can involve a range of chemical reactions like oxidation, reduction, substitution, or addition. The ability to selectively functionalize molecules is a cornerstone of modern synthetic chemistry.