heteroatoms

Heteroatoms are atoms in a molecule that are different from the primary elements like carbon or hydrogen. They are often elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or halogens (like chlorine and bromine). These atoms influence the molecule’s properties, reactivity, and how it interacts in biological or chemical systems. For example, in organic chemistry, heteroatoms create functional groups that determine a compound's behavior. Their presence often makes molecules more chemically active or capable of forming bonds, playing a crucial role in everything from pharmaceuticals to materials science.