Alkoholien

Alkoholien are a group of organic compounds that are sometimes used to denote alcohols in chemical literature. They are defined by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon skeleton. The general formula for simple alcohols is ROH.

Nomenclature and classification: Most alcohols are named by replacing the -ane ending of the corresponding alkane with -ol. They are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary depending on the number of carbon substituents on the carbon bearing the -OH. Examples include methanol, ethanol, and propan-1-ol.

Physical properties: Alcohols are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, which gives them relatively high boiling points compared with nonpolar hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight. Short-chain alcohols are usually miscible with water, while longer chains reduce water solubility and increase volatility resistance.

Production and occurrence: Ethanol is widely produced by fermentation and is a major beverage constituent. Industrially, alcohols such as ethanol are produced by catalytic hydration of alkenes (for example ethene + water gives ethanol). Methanol is generated from synthesis gas and used as a chemical feedstock.

Applications: Alcohols serve as solvents, intermediates in chemical synthesis, and components in cosmetics and personal care products. Ethanol is used as a fuel and in beverages; higher alcohols are common solvents and building blocks for esters, ethers, and other compounds.

Safety and environment: Alcohols are generally flammable. Methanol is highly toxic if ingested or absorbed and can cause blindness or organ damage; ethanol is toxic in excess. Proper storage limits exposure, and emissions are considered in environmental assessments.

Note on terminology: in standard German, the term is Alkohole; Alkoholien appears only in some texts or as a nonstandard variant.