What defines an organic alcohol?

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An organic alcohol is defined by the presence of an -OH (hydroxyl) functional group attached to a carbon atom. This functional group is crucial because it imparts the chemical properties characteristic of alcohols, such as their ability to form hydrogen bonds, which influences their physical properties, including boiling and melting points. The presence of the hydroxyl group is what distinguishes alcohols from other organic compounds.

The other options do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of organic alcohols. For example, while some alcohols may contain carbon-to-carbon double bonds or only C-H bonds, these features do not define all alcohols; they can be found in a variety of organic compounds. Additionally, it is not accurate to state that all organic alcohols are solids at room temperature, as many, such as ethanol, are liquids. Thus, the key defining feature of an organic alcohol is indeed the presence of the hydroxyl functional group.

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