What is a functional group?

I'm looking through my notes and I can't seem to figure it out. Its talking ( as an example) about hydroxyl that goes with alcohol ( to form ethanol i think?)

Question

What is a functional group?

 I'm looking through my notes and I can't seem to figure it out. Its talking ( as an example) about hydroxyl that goes with alcohol ( to form ethanol i think?)

falco276 · Answer

A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a particular compound.

falco276 · Answer

hope that helps :D

anonymous · Answer

So wait, if have Hydroxyl ( which is shown in my book as R-OH, I think R being the compound), its thend mixed with something to give ethanol ( so  2 C and 5 H). But then the word Hydroxyl or even part of it is not even there ( its just confusing to me)

falco276 · Answer

erm, I don't know what to do about that. sorry. :(