Hydroxyl
Hydroxyl
Hydroxyl (pronounced: /ˈhaɪdrɒksɪl/) is a chemical group consisting of an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom. It is represented by the chemical formula -OH.
Etymology
The term "hydroxyl" is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'xylon' meaning wood. It was first used in the 19th century to describe the chemical group found in many substances, including water and wood.
Chemical Properties
In chemistry, the hydroxyl group is a functional group present in many inorganic and organic compounds, such as alcohols and carboxylic acids. The presence of a hydroxyl group can significantly alter the chemical behavior of a molecule, making it more polar and increasing its reactivity.
Biological Significance
In biology, hydroxyl groups are crucial components of many biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. They play key roles in many biological processes, such as enzymatic reactions and molecular recognition events.
Related Terms
- Alcohol: An organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom.
- Carboxylic Acid: An organic compound that contains a carboxyl group, which consists of a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom, which in turn is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom.
- Hydroxylation: A chemical process that introduces a hydroxyl group into an organic compound.
- Phenol: An aromatic compound that contains a hydroxyl group directly bonded to a phenyl group.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydroxyl
- Wikipedia's article - Hydroxyl
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