Hydroxyl Group

A hydroxyl group is a specific combination of atoms found in many organic molecules, consisting of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom. It is written as "-OH" and is responsible for making compounds like alcohols, such as ethanol, soluble in water and reactive. The hydroxyl group influences a molecule’s properties, including its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. Its presence often increases a compound's reactivity and affects how it interacts with other substances, playing a key role in biological processes and chemical reactions.