What is the definition of alcohol?

Alcohol is a broad term that refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to a saturated carbon atom.

General Formula: R-OH, where R is an alkyl or substituted alkyl group.

Key Characteristics:

* Hydroxyl group: The presence of the hydroxyl group gives alcohols their characteristic properties.

* Saturated carbon: The carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group is saturated, meaning it has four single bonds.

* Varied R groups: The R group can be a simple alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) or a more complex substituted alkyl group.

Types of Alcohols:

* Monohydric alcohols: Have one hydroxyl group per molecule.

* Dihydric alcohols (diols): Have two hydroxyl groups per molecule.

* Trihydric alcohols (triols): Have three hydroxyl groups per molecule.

Properties:

* Polarity: Alcohols are polar molecules due to the presence of the hydroxyl group.

* Hydrogen bonding: The hydroxyl group allows alcohols to form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar molecules.

* Solubility: Lower molecular weight alcohols are soluble in water, while higher molecular weight alcohols are less soluble.

* Boiling points: Alcohols have higher boiling points than hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight due to hydrogen bonding.

Examples of Alcohols:

* Methanol (CH3OH)

* Ethanol (C2H5OH)

* Isopropyl alcohol (C3H7OH)

* Glycerol (C3H8O3)

Uses:

Alcohols have a wide range of uses, including:

* Fuel: Ethanol is a common biofuel.

* Solvents: Alcohols are used as solvents in various industries.

* Pharmaceuticals: Many pharmaceuticals contain alcohols.

* Cosmetics and personal care products: Alcohols are found in lotions, shampoos, and other products.

* Food and beverage industry: Ethanol is used in alcoholic beverages.