Hydroxyl - Hydroxyl Group

Hydroxyl Group

The hydroxyl group is prevalent in organic chemistry, where it is the defining functional group in alcohols (ethanol, methanol, etc.), appearing pervasively throughout organic chemical structure (natural products, drugs, etc.) and biochemical structure—in sugars (saccharides), and in some amino acids and phospholipids, and so in all biological barriers (biomembranes and cell walls). One cannot overstate its centrality in all chemistry, especially because of its necessary targeting in organic synthesis, and its roles in enzyme catalysis and inhibition, and in the formation of biological structures, both via its hydrogen bonding capability. This capability underlies protein-ligand interactions, and imparts water solubility and internal structural stability to macromolecules, etc.