Hydroxyl Groups
Term: Hydroxyl Groups
Abbreviation: (-OH)
Category: Chemistry
Definition: Hydroxyl groups (–OH) are typical functional groups found in alcohols, phenols, carbohydrates, and several types of polymers. Hydroxyl groups are electronegative because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which allows hydroxyls to form strong hydrogen bonds with both water (H2O) and other molecules. A greater quantity of hydroxyl groups on a molecule makes a more hydrophilic molecule and increases its solubility and chemistry in terms of being able to participate with other molecules. Hydroxyl groups can be found as a primary site to chemically modify molecules, to form crosslinks in polymers, and as sites for surface functionalization. Hydroxyls also play important roles in the wettability, adhesion, and biocompatibility of biomaterials and coatings.
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