Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Side-chain
Introduction
A side chain in organic chemistry and biochemistry is a part of a molecule that is attached to a core structure. An R group is a generic label for a side chain which can be anything; however, it is typically stable and covalently linked to the adjoining atom. Historically the abbreviations R and R-group, which often refer to side chains, come from the word “radical” , “rest” or “residue”.