HYDROXYL GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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A hydroxyl group is a chemical functional group consisting of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom. It is often represented as -OH. This group is commonly found in a wide range of organic compounds, including alcohols, phenols, and carboxylic acids. The presence of a hydroxyl group significantly impacts the chemical and physical properties of organic molecules.
The hydroxyl group is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, with oxygen being more electronegative. This polarity results in the formation of hydrogen bonds between molecules containing hydroxyl groups. Hydrogen bonding plays a vital role in many biological processes, such as the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.
In alcohols, the hydroxyl group replaces a hydrogen atom in the hydrocarbon chain, giving the molecule its characteristic properties, including increased solubility in water. The number and arrangement of hydroxyl groups in a molecule affect its reactivity and behavior.
In organic chemistry, the hydroxyl group can undergo various chemical reactions, including dehydration, esterification, oxidation, and reduction reactions. These reactions contribute to the versatility of organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups and their applications in fields ranging from medicine to industry.
Understanding the properties and chemical behavior of hydroxyl groups is crucial for scientists and researchers in various fields, as these groups are fundamental components of many natural and synthetic compounds.
Common Misspellings for HYDROXYL GROUP
- gydroxyl group
- bydroxyl group
- nydroxyl group
- jydroxyl group
- uydroxyl group
- yydroxyl group
- htdroxyl group
- hgdroxyl group
- hhdroxyl group
- hudroxyl group
- h7droxyl group
- h6droxyl group
- hysroxyl group
- hyxroxyl group
- hycroxyl group
- hyfroxyl group
- hyrroxyl group
- hyeroxyl group
- hydeoxyl group
Etymology of HYDROXYL GROUP
The word "hydroxyl" is derived from the Greek words "hudrós" meaning "water" and "loxos" meaning "oblique" or "slanting". The etymology of the term refers to the structure of the hydroxyl group (-OH), which consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, resulting in a slanted or oblique configuration compared to other groups.
Similar spelling words for HYDROXYL GROUP
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