A hydroxyl group replaces one or more hydrogen atoms in an organic molecule. Which term describes this kind of compound?

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Multiple Choice

A hydroxyl group replaces one or more hydrogen atoms in an organic molecule. Which term describes this kind of compound?

Explanation:
A hydroxyl group attached to a carbon, replacing hydrogen, defines the class of compounds known as alcohols. The -OH group is a functional group that, when bound to carbon, identifies the molecule as an alcohol (general formula R–OH). This is different from a hydroxyl group by itself, which is just the functional group, not a whole compound. A carboxyl group (-COOH) is a different functional group found in carboxylic acids, and an ester contains a -COOR linkage, formed from an acid and an alcohol. So the described compound is an alcohol.

A hydroxyl group attached to a carbon, replacing hydrogen, defines the class of compounds known as alcohols. The -OH group is a functional group that, when bound to carbon, identifies the molecule as an alcohol (general formula R–OH). This is different from a hydroxyl group by itself, which is just the functional group, not a whole compound. A carboxyl group (-COOH) is a different functional group found in carboxylic acids, and an ester contains a -COOR linkage, formed from an acid and an alcohol. So the described compound is an alcohol.

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