Hydroxyl groups are also able to form hydrogen bonds with water, a property that increases the hydrophilicity and solubility of molecules containing them. The carbohydrates are an example of a group of molecules that are extremely soluble due to hydroxyl functional groups.

Is hydroxyl hydrophobic or hydrophilic?

Hydroxyl groups (-OH), found in alcohols, are polar and therefore hydrophilic (water liking) but their carbon chain portion is non-polar which make them hydrophobic.

Why is hydroxyl group soluble in water?

Due to the high electronegativity of the oxygen atom, the bond between the oxygen and the hydrogen is highly polar. Consequently, the hydroxyl group strongly attracts water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds. Hydroxyl groups are responsible for the solubility of some molecules such as sugars.