HYDROXYL Meaning and
Definition
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Hydroxyl is a chemical group that consists of one atom of hydrogen bonded to a single atom of oxygen. It is commonly represented as OH^-, where the symbol O represents oxygen and H represents hydrogen. The hydroxyl group is highly reactive due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, which leads to the partial positive charge on hydrogen and the partial negative charge on oxygen. This polarity makes it capable of forming hydrogen bonds and participating in various chemical reactions.
In organic chemistry, hydroxyl groups are frequently found as functional groups in various molecules, such as alcohols, phenols, and carboxylic acids. These functional groups determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the compounds they are part of. They are known for their ability to form covalent bonds with other atoms or groups, leading to the formation of new chemical compounds.
In the field of biochemistry, hydroxyl groups play a crucial role in the structure and function of biomolecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. They often participate in important biological reactions, including enzyme catalysis and DNA replication.
Overall, hydroxyl is a fundamental chemical group that plays a vital role in various chemical and biological processes. Its ability to form bonds and interact with other molecules contributes to the diverse functionality and reactivity exhibited by compounds containing hydroxyl groups.
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The atom group or univalent radical HO, resulting from the removal of an atom of hydrogen from the molecule of water; when this atom is replaced by another element or radical the compound is an hydroxide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDROXYL
Etymology of HYDROXYL
The word "hydroxyl" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "hydro", meaning water, and "xyl", meaning wood or wooden. The term was first coined by the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler in 1843. He used it to describe the combination of a water molecule (H2O) and a radical called "oxyl" (O·), which was thought to be present in compounds derived from wood. The term "hydroxyl" was later used more broadly to describe the specific chemical group consisting of one hydrogen atom bonded to one oxygen atom (-OH), found in various organic and inorganic compounds.
Similar spelling words for HYDROXYL
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