polioles

Polyols, or polyhydric alcohols, are organic compounds containing two or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups. They are used across chemistry and industry, and many occur naturally. Common examples include glycerol (a trihydroxy alcohol), xylitol and sorbitol (sugar alcohols with multiple OH groups), pentaerythritol (four OH groups), erythritol, and trimethylolpropane.

In industry, polyols are categorized as polyether polyols and polyester polyols, which serve as precursors for polyurethane foams, coatings, elastomers, and sealants. Polyether polyols are produced by polymerizing alkylene oxides (such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) from a multifunctional initiator; polyester polyols are made from diols and diacids or anhydrides.

In addition to polyurethane uses, many polyols are sugar alcohols used as low-calorie sweeteners and humectants in food and cosmetics. Glycerol is widely employed as a solvent, plasticizer, and moisturizer. Some polyols serve as medical excipients or cryoprotectants.

Health and safety considerations include digestive effects from excessive intake of sugar alcohols, while industrial polyols may require careful handling of catalysts and residuals. The term polioles is used in several languages as the equivalent of polyols.