ethanol
Last reviewed 03/2023
An alcohol is any class of organic compound in which a hydrogen atom is substituted for a hydroxyl group. The alcohol familiar to the layman is ethyl alcohol - ethanol - produced by the fermentation of sugar by yeast and present within beer, wine and spirits.
Alcoholism is a significant cause of physical and social morbidity.
Methyl alcohol - methanol - and ethylene glycol are poisonous. Glycerol is an important component of triglycerides and phospholipids.