hidroksüülrühmi
Hidroksüülrühm is the Estonian term for a hydroxyl group. A hydroxyl group is a functional group composed of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom, with the formula -OH. It is a polar group and is responsible for many of the properties of organic compounds, particularly alcohols and phenols. In organic chemistry, the hydroxyl group is a key component in many reactions and is often associated with hydrogen bonding. When attached to a carbon atom, it forms an alcohol. If the hydroxyl group is directly attached to an aromatic ring, the compound is classified as a phenol. The presence of a hydroxyl group significantly influences a molecule's solubility in water and its reactivity. For instance, alcohols are generally soluble in water due to the polarity of the -OH group, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This same polarity also makes hydroxyl groups reactive sites in various chemical transformations, such as oxidation, esterification, and ether formation. The study of hydroxyl-containing compounds is fundamental to understanding biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.