WANI Dictionary

Alcohol

Alcohol is an organic compound that contains at least one hydroxyl group (-OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom (i.e., the general structure is R₃COH).

The definition of “alcohol” is heterogenous as exemplified in “Definitions in the literature [1] - [3]”. This dictionary adopts the definition from the IUPAC Gold Book, and thus enols and phenols do not belong to alcohol. Famous alcohols include methanol and ethanol.

Alcohols that have two hydroxyl groups are called diols, and those with three hydroxyl groups are triols.

Alcohols in which the hydroxy group is bonded to the primary carbon atom are called the primary alcohol. Similarly, alcohols in which the hydroxy group is bonded to the secondary and tertiary carbon atoms are calles secondary alcohol and tertiary alcohol, respectively.

Definitions in the literature

• an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an alkyl group [1].
• An organic compound that contains the -OH group bound to a carbon atom [2].
• Alcohols: Compounds in which a hydroxyl group, -OH, is attached to a saturated carbon atom R₃COH. The term hydroyl refers to the radical species, HO^. [3].
• A chemical substance found in drinks such as beer, wine, and liquor. It is also found in some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (scented liquid taken from certain plants). It is made by a chemical process called fermentation that uses sugars and yeast [4].
• Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties that has been widely used in many cultures for centuries [5].

Difference in [1] and [2] is significant. For example, phenol belongs to alcohol in [2] but not in [1].

Definitions in [4] and [5] are ambiguous (i.e., general term) and should not be used in a scientific context.