Why is it necessary to test for the presence of functional groups in organic compounds?

Testing for the presence of functional groups in organic compounds is essential because it provides insight into the compound's reactivity and potential uses. Different functional groups impart specific chemical properties to a compound, influencing how it will interact with other substances. For instance, the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) indicates that a compound can participate in hydrogen bonding, which affects its solubility, boiling point, and overall reactivity.

Identifying these functional groups helps predict how the compound will behave in various chemical reactions, guiding chemists in applications such as drug design, polymer synthesis, and predicting reaction mechanisms. Understanding the functional groups helps in the classification of compounds, allowing chemists to make informed decisions about how to utilize them effectively in both research and industrial contexts.