  The properties of the brightest galaxies (BCGs) are studied in both compact
and loose groups of galaxies in order to better understand the physical
mechanisms influencing galaxy evolution in different environments. Samples of
BCGs are selected in the compact groups identified by McConnachie et al.
(2009), and in loose groups taken from Zandivarez & Mart\'inez (2011). The
following physical properties of the BCGs in compact groups and in subsamples
of loose groups are compared, defined by their mass and total luminosity. The
fraction of BCGs classified as red and/or early-type as a function of galaxy
luminosity are studied. The fraction of the group's total luminosity contained
in the BCG and the difference in luminosity between the BCG and the
second-ranked galaxy, are also analysed. Some properties of BCGs in compact and
loose groups are comparable. However, BCGs in compact groups are systematically
more concentrated and have larger surface brightness than their counterparts in
both, high- and low-mass loose groups. The fractions of red and early-type BCGs
in compact groups are consistent with those of high-mass loose groups.
Comparing BCGs in subsamples of compact and loose groups selected for their
similar luminosities, BCGs in compact groups are found to be, on average,
brighter, more massive, larger, redder and more frequently classified as
elliptical. In compact groups, the BCG contains a larger fraction of the
system's total luminosity and differs more in absolute magnitude from the
second-ranked galaxy. BCGs in compact and loose groups are found to be
different. Some mechanisms responsible for transforming late-type galaxies into
early types, such as mergers, may be more effective within compact groups due
to their high densities and small velocity dispersion, which would lead their
BCGs along somewhat different evolutionary paths.
