Chemical groups are specific collections of atoms that exhibit similar chemical properties. These groups are often defined by the presence of a particular functional group, which is a specific arrangement of atoms that determines how the compound behaves in chemical reactions. Common examples of chemical groups include hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. Understanding chemical groups is essential in the study of organic chemistry, as they help predict the reactivity and interactions of different molecules. By identifying the chemical groups present in a compound, chemists can infer its potential behavior and how it might interact with other substances in various chemical processes.