hydroxyl radical

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hydroxyl radical

A chemist draws the structure of a hydroxyl radical on a whiteboard.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A highly reactive, monovalent chemical group (-OH): The hydroxyl radical is an uncharged molecule consisting of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom. It is a radical, meaning it has an unpaired electron, making it extremely reactive and short-lived. It is distinct from the hydroxyl ion (OH⁻) and is a key player in atmospheric chemistry and biological systems.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The hydroxyl radical is often called the "detergent" of the atmosphere because it breaks down pollutants.
    • In biological systems, the hydroxyl radical can cause oxidative damage to DNA.
    • The formation of a hydroxyl radical is a critical step in many chemical reactions.
Advanced Usage
  • "Hydroxyl radical scavenger": A substance that reacts with and neutralizes hydroxyl radicals to prevent damage.
    • Vitamin C acts as a hydroxyl radical scavenger in the body.
  • "Hydroxyl radical attack": Refers to the chemical reaction where a hydroxyl radical reacts with another molecule.
    • The polymer degraded due to hydroxyl radical attack.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hydroxyl group (n): The functional group -OH when it is part of a larger molecule (e.g., in alcohols like ethanol, C₂H₅OH). This is a stable, non-radical form.
    • The presence of a hydroxyl group makes the molecule an alcohol.
  • Hydroxide ion (n): The negatively charged ion OH⁻, commonly found in basic solutions.
    • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissociates in water to form sodium ions and hydroxide ions.
Synonyms
  • •OH: The common chemical notation for the hydroxyl radical.
  • Hydroxyl: In some technical contexts, "hydroxyl" can refer to the radical, but this is ambiguous and usually specified.
Related Phrases
  • Generation of hydroxyl radicals: The process of creating hydroxyl radicals, often through photochemical or radiolytic means.
    • The experiment studied the generation of hydroxyl radicals using UV light.
  • Hydroxyl radical reactivity: A term describing the high chemical activity of the hydroxyl radical.
    • The hydroxyl radical's reactivity makes it difficult to study directly.
hydroxyl radical

A chemist draws the structure of a hydroxyl radical on a whiteboard.

Noun
  1. the monovalent group -OH in such compounds as bases and some acids and alcohols

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