Hydroxyfunctie

Hydroxyfunctie refers to a functional group in organic chemistry characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl radical, which consists of an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom. This group is commonly represented by the chemical formula -OH. The hydroxyl group is a polar functional group due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, making it capable of forming hydrogen bonds. This property significantly influences the physical characteristics of molecules containing hydroxyl groups, such as their solubility in polar solvents like water and their boiling points.

Molecules containing one or more hydroxyl groups are known as alcohols, phenols, or carboxylic acids, depending on the specific arrangement and type of carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group is attached. For instance, in alcohols, the hydroxyl group is bonded to a saturated carbon atom. In phenols, it is attached to an aromatic ring. In carboxylic acids, the hydroxyl group is part of a carboxyl group (-COOH). The presence and position of hydroxyl groups are crucial in determining the chemical reactivity and biological activity of organic compounds. They can participate in various reactions, including oxidation, esterification, and etherification, and are fundamental to many biochemical processes.