Alcohol
An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a saturated carbon atom.
Formula / equation
R–OH
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Hydrogen bonding through the hydroxyl group raises boiling points far above those of comparable hydrocarbons and makes short-chain alcohols fully miscible with water. Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary, which determines their oxidation products.
Examples in the real world
Ethanol in drinks and fuel; propan-2-ol as a disinfectant; glycerol with three hydroxyl groups.