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Hydroxyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry that consists of an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom. It is represented by the chemical formula OH. The hydroxyl group is a polar group due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen. This polarity allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, which significantly influences the physical properties of compounds containing it, such as solubility in water and boiling point.

When a hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom, it forms an alcohol. For example, ethanol, with the formula CH3CH2OH, is an alcohol where a hydroxyl group is bonded to an ethyl group. Alcohols are a large and diverse class of organic compounds. The presence of the hydroxyl group is responsible for many characteristic reactions of alcohols, including oxidation and esterification.

In inorganic chemistry, the term hydroxide is often used for the anion OH-. This anion is a strong base and is found in many ionic compounds, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The hydroxyl group is also a constituent of water (H2O), which can be considered as a very simple inorganic compound containing a hydroxyl group. Understanding the properties and reactivity of the hydroxyl group is fundamental to comprehending a vast range of chemical phenomena.