What is the functional group in alcohols?

In alcohols, the functional group is characterized by the presence of the hydroxyl group, which is represented as -OH. This functional group is crucial because it is what defines alcohols and determines their chemical properties. The hydroxyl group allows alcohols to participate in hydrogen bonding, which affects their boiling points and solubility in water.

Additionally, the -OH group is what differentiates alcohols from other classes of compounds. For instance, -CHO represents an aldehyde group, -COOH indicates a carboxylic acid, and R-NH2 signifies an amine. Each of these has distinct properties and reactivity profiles that are different from those of alcohols. The presence of the -OH group in alcohols leads to unique behaviors such as increased polarity, which plays a significant role in their interactions and reactions in biological and chemical contexts.