A hydroxy or hydroxyl group is a functional group with the chemical formula -OH and composed of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to one hydrogen atom. In organic chemistry, alcohols and carboxylic acids contain one or more hydroxy groups.

What compounds are in the hydroxyl group?

Hydroxyl groups are a functional group found in sugars and alcohols. A hydroxyl group consists of one hydrogen and one oxygen atom and can be written as either -OH or HO-. Hydroxyl groups are polar, and the oxygen side is always negative, while the hydrogen side is always positive.

What is the function of hydroxyl?

The addition of a hydroxyl group converts many organic compounds into alcohols, enhancing their solubility in water. Similar to carboxyl functionalized surfaces, the presence of hydroxyl groups has shown to support chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs.