Alcohol and Glycerol

Alcohol: The compound formed by displacing one hydrogen of alkane by hydroxide is called alcohol. General formula of alcohol is C_nH_2n+1. Alcohols are classified by number of hydroxide present in compound. Monohydric alcohol if one hydroxide is present, dihydric alcohol if two hydroxides are present and trihydric if three hydroxides are present.

Methyl alcohol: It is a monohydric alcohol formed by displacing one hydrogen in methane by one hydroxide. It is also called methanol.

CH4 - H /+ OH → CH₃OH

Uses of Methyl alcohol:

It is widely used to make methylated spirit
It is used as solvent for different colors
It is used to make synthetic fibers
It is used to make colors and perfumes
It is used to make medicines
It is used to make formaldehyde and Bakelite
It is use to disinfect syringes in hospitals
Used as fuel in spirit lamp
Used for dry clean

Ethyl alcohol: it is a monohydric alcohol also known as ethanol. It is formed by displacing one hydrogen of alkane by a hydride ion(functional group)

C₂H₆ –H/+ OH → C₂H₅OH

Uses of ethyl alcohol:

It is used to make alcoholic beverages like whisky, vodka, wine and beer
Used as fuel in spirit lamp
It is used to make alcohol thermometer
Used to clean syringes in hospital
Used to preserve biological specimen
Used to make sanitizers
It is used as solvent for resin, fat and oil
It is used to make transparent soaps
It is used to make polythene, terylene etc

Glycerol: It is a trihydric alcohol also known as glycerin. It is colorless with sweet taste and edible matter. Large amount of glycerol is obtained from soap industries as byproduct. It is highly soluble in water.
Uses of glycerol: