alcoolilor

In chemistry, alcoolilor (the Romanian term for alcohols) are a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups bonded to carbon atoms. In common usage, most alcohols have the hydroxyl attached to a saturated carbon (sp3), and their general formula is R-OH, where R is an alkyl group.

Alcohols are typically categorized by the number of hydroxyl groups (monohydric, dihydric, tri- etc.) and by the substitution of the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group, yielding primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohols. Simple examples include methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), and propanol.

Most alcohols are produced industrially by hydration of alkenes or from fermentation, oxidation, or reduction of related compounds. Ethanol is produced by fermentation of sugars; methanol is produced from synthesis gas; other alcohols arise from hydrolysis of esters or reduction of aldehydes and ketones. They occur widely in nature in plants and foods.

Alcohols are polar and capable of hydrogen bonding, giving them relatively high boiling points for their carbon content and varying degrees of water solubility. They can act as weak acids and form alkoxide salts. Reactions include oxidation to aldehydes/ketones or carboxylic acids, dehydration to alkenes, and esterification to form esters.

Applications and safety: Alcohols serve as solvents, reactants in synthesis, fuels, and feedstocks for plastics and pharmaceuticals. Ethanol is used as a beverage and fuel; methanol and some diols are highly toxic if ingested. Handling requires flammability precautions and proper storage.