What is the difference between -OH and OH-?

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Question
**Question: What is the difference between —OH and OH?**

**Explanation:**
When considering the functional groups and chemical entities in organic chemistry and biochemistry:

1. **—OH Group:**
   - This is known as the hydroxyl group.
   - It is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH).
   - The hydroxyl group is commonly found in alcohols and phenols, and it is characteristic of many organic compounds.
   - In the context of organic molecules, the hydroxyl group is usually bonded to a carbon atom.

2. **OH Molecule:**
   - This can refer to the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) in inorganic chemistry.
   - The hydroxide ion is negatively charged and is formed when an oxygen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom, coupled with an additional electron (giving it a negative charge).
   - Hydroxide ions are common in bases and play a crucial role in acid-base chemistry.

**Summary:**
The primary difference is that the **—OH group** refers to a functional group bonded to a carbon atom within an organic molecule (neutral charge), while the **OH** (often denoted as **OH⁻**) usually refers to a hydroxide ion that is commonly found in inorganic bases (negatively charged).
Transcribed Image Text:**Question: What is the difference between —OH and OH?** **Explanation:** When considering the functional groups and chemical entities in organic chemistry and biochemistry: 1. **—OH Group:** - This is known as the hydroxyl group. - It is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH). - The hydroxyl group is commonly found in alcohols and phenols, and it is characteristic of many organic compounds. - In the context of organic molecules, the hydroxyl group is usually bonded to a carbon atom. 2. **OH Molecule:** - This can refer to the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) in inorganic chemistry. - The hydroxide ion is negatively charged and is formed when an oxygen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom, coupled with an additional electron (giving it a negative charge). - Hydroxide ions are common in bases and play a crucial role in acid-base chemistry. **Summary:** The primary difference is that the **—OH group** refers to a functional group bonded to a carbon atom within an organic molecule (neutral charge), while the **OH** (often denoted as **OH⁻**) usually refers to a hydroxide ion that is commonly found in inorganic bases (negatively charged).
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON