An organic compound is considered an alcohol if it has what functional group?

An organic compound is considered an alcohol if it has a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. The hydroxyl group is characterized by an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, which is in turn bonded to a carbon atom. This functional group gives alcohols their distinct properties, such as the ability to form hydrogen bonds with surrounding molecules, high boiling points, and the ability to dissolve in both polar and nonpolar solvents. Additionally, the hydroxyl group provides alcohols with their characteristic reactivity, allowing them to undergo various chemical reactions, such as oxidation and esterification. Overall, the presence of the hydroxyl functional group is the defining feature of alcohols and distinguishes them from other organic compounds.