Alkoolit

Alkoolit is the Estonian term for the class of organic compounds known in English as alcohols. They contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to carbon and are distinguished from other oxygen-containing compounds by this functional group. Common examples include methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol. Alcohols are categorized by the number of hydroxyl groups (monohydric, diols, polyols) and by the carbon skeleton (aliphatic or aromatic). IUPAC naming uses the -ol suffix (ethanol, propanol), while common names reflect the alkyl group (methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol).

Alkoolit are typically polar and form hydrogen bonds, which gives them relatively high boiling points compared with nonpolar hydrocarbons of similar size. Solubility in water is high for smaller alcohols but decreases as the carbon chain length increases. They can be classified further by structure as primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the position of the hydroxyl-bearing carbon.

Production methods vary: ethanol is produced industrially by the catalytic hydration of ethene or by fermentation of sugars; methanol is mainly produced from synthesis gas. Alcohols serve as solvents, fuels (notably bioethanol), and chemical feedstocks, and many polyols (such as glycols) play crucial roles in polymers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Common reactions include oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes and carboxylic acids, dehydration to alkenes, esterification with carboxylic acids to esters, and ether formation under certain conditions.

Safety and environmental aspects include general flammability and varying toxicity (methanol being highly toxic). Proper handling and regulatory considerations are important across applications.