Hydroxyl (Noun)
Meaning
The monovalent group -OH in such compounds as bases and some acids and alcohols.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The chemical formula of ethanol includes a hydroxyl group attached to the carbon atom.
- Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that consists of sodium cations and hydroxyl anions in an aqueous solution.
- The chemical structure of hydroquinone consists of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups attached.
- Organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups, such as alcohols, are highly reactive in the presence of water.
- In chemical reactions, hydroxyl groups can often donate electrons to other atoms, leading to covalent bonding.