sidegroups

Sidegroups, also known as substituent groups or pendant groups, are organic groups that are attached to a main structure, typically a molecule or a functional group. They are essentially organic compounds that are bonded to the main entity through a covalent bond, resulting in the formation of a new, more complex molecule.

Sidegroups can be found in various biomolecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, where they play a crucial role in determining the properties and functions of these molecules. For instance, the sidegroups in amino acids, such as the hydroxyethyl group in threonine, can affect the overall charge and reactivity of the molecule.

In synthetic organic chemistry, sidegroups are deliberately introduced into molecules during their synthesis to modulate their properties, such as reactivity, solubility, and steric hindrance. This is achieved through various chemical reactions, like nucleophilic or electrophilic substitution, where the sidegroup is introduced at a specific position on the main structure.

During the formation of a sidegroup, the main entity remains unaltered, and the new group is attached to it via a chemical bond. This process allows chemists to create a wide range of compounds with diverse properties, opening up new opportunities for the discovery of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other biologically active molecules.

It is worth noting that the introduction of a sidegroup can alter the polymerization behavior of biomolecules, allowing them to form ordered or disordered structures. This property has been exploited in the development of materials with unique properties.