Hydroxyl radicals are one of the most important and powerful oxidizing agents in the world. They are formed when water molecules are split by ultraviolet light or other high-energy radiation, and they play a crucial role in many chemical reactions, including those involved in the breakdown of organic matter.
Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and can readily attack most organic compounds, including proteins, DNA, and lipids. This makes them potentially very damaging to cells, but also means that they can be used to destroy harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. In fact, hydroxyl radicals have been used successfully in water treatment plants to disinfect drinking water.
The reactivity of hydroxyl radicals also makes them useful tools for industrial processes such as paper pulp bleaching and environmental cleanup of oil spills and contaminated soil.
Despite their great power, hydroxyl radicals are relatively short-lived molecules that quickly combine with other molecules to form more stable products. This means that they typically do not persist long enough to cause extensive damage to human tissue or the environment.