hüdroksüülgrupp

The term "hüdroksüülgrupp" refers to a functional group in organic chemistry. It consists of an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom, with the formula -OH. This group is a fundamental building block in many organic molecules and is responsible for a significant portion of their chemical properties.

When attached to a carbon atom, the hydroxyl group forms an alcohol. The presence of a hydroxyl group makes a molecule polar, enabling it to form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar molecules. This polarity is crucial for the solubility of many organic compounds in water, such as simple alcohols like ethanol and methanol. Furthermore, the hydroxyl group is a reactive site, participating in various chemical reactions including oxidation, esterification, and ether formation. The acidity of compounds containing hydroxyl groups can vary depending on the surrounding molecular structure. In phenols, for example, the hydroxyl group is directly attached to an aromatic ring, making them weakly acidic. The hydroxyl group is also a key component of carbohydrates, acids, and bases, highlighting its widespread importance in biochemistry and organic synthesis.