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 type of compound we are discussing. In this case, we are talking about alcohols.
Step 3: Learn about the specific functional group in alcohols. Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group.
Step 4: Recognize the structure of the hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group is represented as -OH, which means it consists of one oxygen atom (O) and one hydrogen atom (H).
Step 5: Conclude that the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) is what makes a compound an alcohol.
