What aspect primarily determines the reactions of organic compounds?

The reactions of organic compounds are primarily determined by the reactions of the functional group. Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties and dictate how those compounds will react chemically. Different functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH2), and others, exhibit distinct reactivity patterns due to the nature of the chemical bonds they contain and their interactions with other reactants.

For example, alcohols, which contain hydroxyl groups, undergo different reactions compared to carboxylic acids, which have carboxyl groups. This specificity allows chemists to predict and manipulate chemical reactions based on the functional groups present in the organic compounds. Therefore, understanding the functional group allows for a deeper comprehension of the chemical behavior of the compound.

While other factors such as the structure of the compound, the availability of substrates, and the temperature of the environment can influence reaction rates and outcomes, the underlying mechanism and pathway of the reaction are fundamentally governed by the functional group's characteristics.