Alcohol

Alcohol is most commonly known as a beverage with intoxicating effects, but this is a narrow view of its multiple forms and uses. Alcohol takes three main forms as ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. Each substance has a hydroxyl group (-OH) bound to the carbon atom of an alkyl or substituted alkyl group.

Chemistry

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, and is responsible for its intoxicating effects

Methanol (CH₃OH) is an impurity found in alcoholic beverages.

Isopropanol (C₃H₈O) is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, and is used as a cleaner and solvent.