Monofunctionalise

Monofunctionalise (verb) is a term used primarily in chemistry and related scientific disciplines to describe the process of converting or preparing a molecule so that it contains only a single functional group or exhibits a single functional activity. The word is derived from the prefix mono-, meaning one, and the adjective monofunctional, which describes a compound that possesses only one functional group capable of partaking in chemical reactions. The suffix –ise (or –ize in American English) is applied to form the verb, indicating the action of making something monofunctional.

In organic chemistry, monofunctionalisation is often employed to simplify complex molecules, reduce side reactions, or create more selective reagents. For example, a diol may be monofunctionalised to produce an alcohol with one remaining hydroxyl group, thereby eliminating unwanted oxidation pathways. Synthetic routes may use protective groups, selective reagents, or catalytic methods to achieve this selective modification.

The concept also appears in biochemistry, where enzymes or proteins can be monofunctionalised through genetic engineering or chemical modification to retain only a specific catalytic or binding activity. This strategy allows researchers to study individual functional domains in isolation.

Beyond chemistry, the verb is occasionally applied metaphorically in fields such as economics or information technology to indicate the simplification of a system or process to a single objective or function.

While monofunctionalise is not as widely recognized as related terms such as multifunctionalise or bifunctional, it is a useful descriptive verb in contexts that require explicit reference to the transformation of a multi-functional entity into one that fulfills a single role.