R-group

An R-group, or "radical group," is a placeholder used in chemistry to represent a side chain attached to a core molecule, like a backbone. Think of it as a variable part that can be different chemical groups, giving each compound unique properties. This allows chemists to generalize structures and focus on how different R-groups influence a molecule's behavior, such as reactivity or function. In essence, R-groups help describe the diversity of similar molecules by highlighting the variable section attached to the main structure.