Which term describes a functional group composed of an oxygen and hydrogen bonded together?

Which term describes a functional group composed of an oxygen and hydrogen bonded together?

• A. Substituted Hydrocarbon
• B. Carboxyl Group
• C. Amino Acid
• D. Hydroxyl Group

Answer: (D)

The hydroxyl group is the functional group formed when an oxygen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH). This simple O–H bond defines the group and gives alcohols their polar character and ability to form hydrogen bonds with water, which increases solubility. It’s a distinct group from a carboxyl group, which includes both a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl within -COOH, and from substituted hydrocarbons or amino acids, which describe different structural features rather than just an O–H bond. So, the term describing a functional group composed of an oxygen and hydrogen bonded together is the hydroxyl group.

The hydroxyl group is the functional group formed when an oxygen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH). This simple O–H bond defines the group and gives alcohols their polar character and ability to form hydrogen bonds with water, which increases solubility. It’s a distinct group from a carboxyl group, which includes both a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl within -COOH, and from substituted hydrocarbons or amino acids, which describe different structural features rather than just an O–H bond. So, the term describing a functional group composed of an oxygen and hydrogen bonded together is the hydroxyl group.