hydroxyl compound crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "hydroxyl compound" in your crossword? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find all possible solutions for this clue, complete with explanations to help you understand the chemical context and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "hydroxyl compound crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PHENOL: An aromatic organic compound with a hydroxyl group directly attached to a benzene ring. Phenols are a distinct class of hydroxyl compounds known for their antiseptic properties.
7 Letters
ALCOHOL: A common class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a saturated carbon atom. This includes well-known examples like ethanol and methanol.
More About "hydroxyl compound crossword clue"
Understanding chemical terms can sometimes be a fun challenge in crosswords. A "hydroxyl compound" refers to any organic chemical compound that contains one or more hydroxyl functional groups. The hydroxyl group is simply an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH). This small group is incredibly important in organic chemistry as it influences the properties and reactions of many molecules.
While "alcohol" is the most direct and common answer for many puzzles, it's good to remember that the category of hydroxyl compounds is broader. It encompasses not just simple alcohols but also phenols (where the -OH group is directly attached to an aromatic ring), enols, and even polyols (compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups, like sugars such as glucose and fructose).
When you encounter a clue like this, consider the common examples and also the specific letter count required. Sometimes, a more obscure term fits perfectly, but often, the puzzle setter is looking for the most common or representative example of the chemical family.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Broadly & Specifically: For scientific clues, consider both the general class (e.g., "alcohol" for "hydroxyl compound") and more specific, less common examples if the letter count guides you there.
- Check for Synonyms: Sometimes, chemical clues might use a synonym or a related term. For "hydroxyl compound," think about its definition and common examples.
- Utilize Cross-References: Use letters from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. If you have a few letters, it becomes much easier to identify the correct chemical name.
- Practice with Categories: The more you encounter clues related to chemistry, biology, or other specific fields, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and common answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydroxyl compound?
A hydroxyl compound is an organic chemical compound containing one or more hydroxyl functional groups (-OH). This group consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, and it's a key part of many organic molecules, including alcohols, phenols, and carbohydrates.
Are all alcohols hydroxyl compounds?
Yes, by definition, alcohols are a specific class of hydroxyl compounds where the hydroxyl group is attached to a saturated carbon atom. Phenols are another major class where the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring.
How does the 'hydroxyl compound' clue relate to common substances?
The most common hydroxyl compound many people are familiar with is ethanol, a type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Other examples include methanol (wood alcohol), glycerol (found in fats and oils), and various sugars like glucose, which are polyols (compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups).