Alcohol

Alkanes are used to make alcohol's constituent components. Alcohols are the chemicals created when the (-OH) group replaces one or more hydrogen atoms in alkanes. CnH2n+10H is the general formula for it. Alcohols' functional group is the hydroxyl group (-OH). Monohydric alcohol is defined as an alcohol with only one hydroxyl group. A dihydric alcohol is an alcohol that has two hydroxyl groups. In a similar vein, an alcohol with three hydroxyl groups is referred to as trihydric alcohol.

Some Important Alcohol Compounds

Methyl Alcohol

Alcohol that is monohydric is methyl alcohol. IUPAC refers to it as methanol. Its structural formula is as follows, and its molecular formula is CH₃OH:

Uses of Methyl Alcohol

• Methylated spirit preparation is done with it.
• It dissolves paints and varnishes.
• Methanol is also utilized in the manufacturing of synthetic clothing, paints, fragrances, and medications.
• Formaldehyde is also produced using it.
• Dry cleaning also makes use of it.

Ethyl Alcohol

Another monohydric alcohol is ethyl alcohol. Ethanol is its IUPAC name. Its chemical structure is as follows, and its formula is C₂H₅OH.

Uses of Ethyl Alcohol

• Hard beverages such as wine, beer, and whiskey are made using ethanol.
• In medical facilities, nursing homes, and health posts, it is used to sterilize needles and wounds.
• In labs, it is employed to preserve biological materials.
• Thermometers also employ it.
• Paints, dyes, soaps, terylene, polyethylene, and other products are made with it.
• An organic solvent can also be made of it.

Glycol

It is a dihydric alcohol, meaning that every hydrocarbon's carbon atom has two hydroxyl groups bonded to it. Every carbon in glycol has one hydroxyl group attached to it. Different kinds of glycols are utilized in culinary and industrial products. Ethane diol is a typical glycol. Ethane-1,2-diol is its IUPAC name. Its molecular formula is, CH₂OHCH₂OH.

Glycerol

Glycerol is the substance that results from substituting three hydroxyl groups for three hydrogen atoms in propane. Glycerine, or trihydric alcohol, is another name for glycerol. The term "sweet" in its name, glycerol, is Greek in origin. It is a pleasant, colorless, viscous liquid. It is insoluble in ether but soluble in water and alcohol. Propane-1, 2, 3-triol is its IUPAC name. Its molecular formula is C₃H₅(OH)₃.

Uses or Glycerol

• By retaining moisture and preventing it from drying out, it protects the skin.
• It is added to meals as a sweetener.
• It is utilized in the production of high-quality lotions, soaps, shaving creams, and makeup.
• In addition to keeping tobacco wet, it keeps fruits and vegetables from drying out and from rotting.