Which distinguishes an alcohol from an ether?

An alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom, which gives it distinctive properties, including the ability to form hydrogen bonds and influence solubility. In contrast, an ether has an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups (R-O-R'), lacking the hydroxyl group. This structural difference leads to varying chemical behaviors and physical properties between the two classes of compounds. Additionally, alcohols are generally more polar and have higher boiling points compared to ethers.