Step 1: Understand what a functional group is. A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.
Step 2: Identify the functional group of alcohols. Alcohols contain a specific group of atoms known as the hydroxyl group.
Step 3: Recognize the structure of the hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group is made up of one oxygen atom (O) and one hydrogen atom (H), and is written as -OH.
Step 4: Conclude that the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) in a molecule indicates that it is an alcohol.
