Video Summary

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom. The simplest alcohol is methanol (CH3OH), followed by ethanol (C2H5OH), the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. The properties of alcohols are significantly influenced by the hydroxyl group's ability to form hydrogen bonds, leading to relatively high boiling points compared to similar hydrocarbons. The number of hydroxyl groups determines the alcohol's classification: monohydric (one -OH), dihydric (two -OH, such as glycols), or trihydric (three -OH, such as glycerol). Alcohols exhibit varying solubility in water, depending on the size of the hydrocarbon chain; smaller alcohols are more soluble. They undergo a range of chemical reactions, including oxidation to form aldehydes or ketones, and esterification with carboxylic acids to form esters. Alcohols have numerous applications, from solvents and fuels to the production of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals.