Alcohols

Combination of a hydroxyl (-OH) group or groups with a hydrocarbon group or radical. The compounds are organic hydroxides, and correspond in constitution to the inorganic hydroxides. They are acted upon by acids, usually neutralizing the acid and forming a salt. By oxidation they furnish aldehydes, ketones and acids. Examples: methyl alcohol, CH,OH; ethyl alcohol, C,H,OH; and glycerine, C,H, (OH),.