alkohole

Alkohole, or alcohols, are a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. The simplest saturated alcohols have the general formula CnH2n+2O. They are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary according to the degree of substitution of the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group. In aliphatic alcohols the hydroxyl-bearing carbon is attached to one, two, or three carbon groups, respectively. Phenol and related aryl alcohols are a related subset where the -OH is attached to an aromatic ring.

Alcohols are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, which gives them relatively high boiling points compared with many hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight. They are often miscible with water when short-chained; solubility decreases with increasing alkyl chain length. Alcohols function as solvents and as important chemical feedstocks. Common examples include methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), and propanol (C3H7OH).

Production occurs through biological and chemical routes. Fermentation of sugars yields ethanol naturally; industrial methods include the hydration of alkenes (for example ethene to ethanol) and synthesis-gas routes to methanol and higher alcohols. Alcohols are used as solvents, reagents in organic synthesis, antifreeze components, and fuels (notably bioethanol in gasoline blends).

Safety and health considerations vary by substance. Methanol and some glycols are highly toxic if ingested or absorbed. Ethanol is intoxicating and flammable; all alcohols pose fire hazards and health risks with excessive exposure. Environmental effects are generally managed through standard industrial and regulatory practices.