alcohol, any of a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more hydroxyl (―OH) groups attached to a carbon atom of an alkyl group (hydrocarbon chain). For example, in ethanol (or ethyl alcohol) the alkyl group is the ethyl group, ―CH2CH3.

What are the 3 types of alcohol chemistry?

Chemistry, as a field, acknowledges three main types of alcohol: isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol. Each of these types of alcohol has different properties. Thus, it is essential for scientists and humans in common to differentiate which type of alcohol is which, if only for safety reasons.

What is the chemical structure of alcohol?

Physical properties of alcohols

What are the uses of alcohol in chemistry?

Alcohols are among the most common organic compounds. They are used as sweeteners and in making perfumes, are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds, and are among the most abundantly produced organic chemicals in industry.

What are the chemical properties of alcohol?

The two main chemical properties of ethanol are alcohol and water. Ethanol is considered to be 95 percent alcohol. The chemical contains about 5 percent water.

What is the chemical formula for an alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol, grain alcohol, or alcohol, a member of a class of organic compounds that are given the general name alcohols; its molecular formula is C2H5OH.

Is alcohol considered as a chemical?

Alcohol is the common term for ethanol or ethyl alcohol, a chemical substance found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, hard cider, malt liquor, wines, and distilled spirits (liquor). Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of sugars and starches by yeast.