Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic function of the hydroxyl group in organic molecules?
A
Decreases the molecule's boiling point
B
Forms ionic bonds with other molecules
C
Acts as a nucleophile in chemical reactions
D
Increases the molecule's hydrophobicity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional group in question: The hydroxyl group, denoted as -OH, is a common functional group in organic chemistry.
Understand the properties of the hydroxyl group: The hydroxyl group is polar due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds.
Analyze the options: Consider how the hydroxyl group interacts in chemical reactions. It is known to act as a nucleophile because the oxygen atom has lone pairs of electrons that can be donated to electrophiles.
Evaluate the incorrect options: Decreasing boiling point and increasing hydrophobicity are not characteristics of the hydroxyl group. In fact, the hydroxyl group increases boiling point due to hydrogen bonding and increases hydrophilicity due to its polarity.
Conclude with the correct characteristic: The hydroxyl group acts as a nucleophile in chemical reactions, making it a key player in many organic reactions such as substitution and addition reactions.