Identify the functional groups listed in the options: Hydroxyl group (-OH), Carbonyl group (C=O), Amino group (-NH2), and Carboxyl group (-COOH).
Recall the definition of an alcohol in organic chemistry: Alcohols are organic compounds where a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bonded to a saturated carbon atom.
Understand that the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) is the defining feature of alcohols, distinguishing them from other organic compounds.
Compare the functional groups: The hydroxyl group (-OH) is the only group that matches the definition of an alcohol.
Conclude that the functional group present in alcohols is the hydroxyl group (-OH).