a. What functional group characterizes an alcohol?

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Identify the functional group that characterizes an alcohol.

Recall that functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Understand that an alcohol is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group.

The hydroxyl group is represented by the chemical formula \(-OH\).

Recognize that in alcohols, the hydroxyl group is bonded to a carbon atom, typically in an alkyl chain.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of organic compounds. Understanding functional groups is essential for identifying and classifying organic molecules, including alcohols.

Alcohols

Alcohols are organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. The presence of the hydroxyl group is what characterizes alcohols and influences their physical and chemical properties, such as solubility and boiling point. Alcohols can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group is attached.

Hydroxyl Group

The hydroxyl group (-OH) is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. It is a defining feature of alcohols and plays a crucial role in their reactivity and interactions with other molecules. The polarity of the hydroxyl group contributes to the solubility of alcohols in water and their ability to form hydrogen bonds.

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Alkyl Groups

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