What functional group do alcohols belong to?

Alcohols belong to the hydroxyl group, which is a functional group characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) moiety. This functional group is responsible for the distinctive properties of alcohols, such as their polar nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds, leading to higher boiling points compared to hydrocarbons. Alcohols can be found in various forms, including primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, depending on the carbon structure to which the hydroxyl group is attached. The presence of the hydroxyl group is what distinguishes alcohols from other organic compounds and gives them their unique chemical behavior and applications in both chemistry and everyday life.