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Hydroxylation is a chemical process in which a hydroxyl group (OH) is added to a molecule. This can occur through various chemical reactions, often catalyzed by enzymes. In biological systems, hydroxylation is a crucial metabolic pathway involved in the synthesis and degradation of many important compounds, including steroids, fatty acids, and amino acids. It also plays a role in detoxification processes, where hydroxyl groups are added to xenobiotics to make them more water-soluble and easier to excrete.

Enzymes that catalyze hydroxylation reactions are called hydroxylases. These enzymes often require cofactors such as iron or flavins. For example, cytochrome P450 enzymes are a large family of heme-containing hydroxylases that are involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including drug metabolism and steroid biosynthesis.

In industrial chemistry, hydroxylation can be used to modify the properties of organic molecules. For instance, the hydroxylation of hydrocarbons can lead to the production of alcohols, which are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of polymers, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. Different chemical reagents and conditions can be employed for hydroxylation, depending on the specific substrate and desired product. The introduction of a hydroxyl group can significantly alter a molecule's polarity, reactivity, and biological activity.