What functional group does the term "hydroxy" refer to?

What functional group does the term "hydroxy" refer to?

• A. -OH
• B. -NH₂
• C. -COOH
• D. -CHO

Answer: (A)

The term "hydroxy" refers specifically to the functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, denoted as -OH. This functional group is commonly found in alcohols and phenols, and it plays a significant role in the chemical behavior of compounds that contain it. For instance, the presence of the hydroxy group typically contributes to the polarity of a molecule, influencing its solubility in water and its reactivity. In contrast, the other functional groups listed do not correspond to the term "hydroxy." The amino group (-NH₂) is associated with amines, the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) is related to acids, and the aldehyde group (-CHO) is a characteristic of aldehydes. Each of these groups has distinct properties and reactivities that differentiate them from the hydroxy group.

The term "hydroxy" refers specifically to the functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, denoted as -OH. This functional group is commonly found in alcohols and phenols, and it plays a significant role in the chemical behavior of compounds that contain it. For instance, the presence of the hydroxy group typically contributes to the polarity of a molecule, influencing its solubility in water and its reactivity.

In contrast, the other functional groups listed do not correspond to the term "hydroxy." The amino group (-NH₂) is associated with amines, the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) is related to acids, and the aldehyde group (-CHO) is a characteristic of aldehydes. Each of these groups has distinct properties and reactivities that differentiate them from the hydroxy group.