Which option describes an alcohol functional group?

Which option describes an alcohol functional group?

• A. OH alone
• B. C=O
• C. N-containing group
• D. O-R group

Answer: (A)

Alcohols are defined by the presence of a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon skeleton. The hydroxyl group, written as -OH, is the hallmark that identifies this class of compounds. The other descriptions correspond to different functional groups: a carbonyl group (C=O) is found in aldehydes and ketones; a nitrogen-containing group points to amines or amides; an O-R group indicates an ether (alkoxy) group. Because the -OH group specifically characterizes alcohols, it is the best description of an alcohol functional group.

Alcohols are defined by the presence of a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon skeleton. The hydroxyl group, written as -OH, is the hallmark that identifies this class of compounds. The other descriptions correspond to different functional groups: a carbonyl group (C=O) is found in aldehydes and ketones; a nitrogen-containing group points to amines or amides; an O-R group indicates an ether (alkoxy) group. Because the -OH group specifically characterizes alcohols, it is the best description of an alcohol functional group.