What is alcohol? In chemistry, alcohol refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl group, written as O-H, attached to a carbon atom. The general formula for an alcohol is R-O-H, where R represents an alkyl group. This hydroxyl group is the functional group that gives alcohols their unique chemical properties.
In everyday language, the term 'alcohol' typically refers to ethanol, which is the type found in alcoholic beverages. However, there are several types of alcohols with different molecular structures. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, has one carbon atom. Ethanol, or drinking alcohol, has two carbon atoms. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly used as rubbing alcohol, has three carbon atoms arranged in a specific structure. Each type has different properties and uses.
Ethanol, commonly known as drinking alcohol, has several important properties that determine its uses and effects. It's a colorless, volatile liquid that acts as a psychoactive substance when consumed. Alcohol is widely used in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It also serves as an effective solvent for many compounds, making it useful in medical applications such as disinfectants and in pharmaceutical production. Additionally, alcohol is flammable and can be used as a fuel source, including in some motor vehicles as ethanol or mixed with gasoline as gasohol.