What is the compound name associated with the hydroxyl functional group?

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Prepare for the UCF BSC2010C Biology I Exam with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Sharpen your skills to succeed in your Biology I assessment!

The compound associated with the hydroxyl functional group is an alcohol. The hydroxyl group consists of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an oxygen atom (–OH), and when attached to a carbon skeleton, it characterizes alcohols. This functional group imparts various properties to the molecule, including polarity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds, contributing to the solubility of alcohols in water and their behavior in chemical reactions.

In contrast, other functional groups mentioned do not relate to the hydroxyl group. Ketones contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, carboxylic acids contain both a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group, making them acids (–COOH), and thiols have a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (–SH) instead of a hydroxyl group. This distinction in functional groups is crucial for understanding their properties and reactivity in biological systems.