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An alkoxyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of an alkyl group bonded to an oxygen atom. The general formula for an alkoxyl group is R-O-, where R represents an alkyl group. Alkyl groups are saturated hydrocarbon chains, such as methyl (CH3-), ethyl (C2H5-), or propyl (C3H7-). Therefore, examples of alkoxyl groups include methoxy (CH3-O-), ethoxy (C2H5-O-), and propoxy (C3H7-O-).

Alkoxyl groups are commonly found in organic compounds known as ethers, which have the general structure R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. In ethers, the alkoxyl group is attached to another organic radical. For instance, in dimethyl ether (CH3-O-CH3), both R and R' are methyl groups, and each methyl group can be considered part of a methoxy group.

The presence of an alkoxyl group significantly influences the chemical and physical properties of a molecule. It increases polarity due to the electronegativity of oxygen, affecting solubility and boiling points. Alkoxyl groups are relatively stable but can participate in certain reactions, such as cleavage by strong acids. They are also important building blocks in many synthetic organic pathways and are found in a wide variety of natural products and pharmaceuticals. The term "alkoxy" is derived from "alkyl" and "oxy," referring to the oxygen atom.