Structure and Uses of Alcohols (Unit 3)
1. Ethyl alcohol
Ethanol’s molecular formula is C2H6O, which means it has two carbon atoms and one oxygen
atom. The structural formula for ethanol, C2H5OH, provides a bit additional information,
indicating that the two-carbon chain has a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the end.
H2
C
HO CH3
Uses:
In the cosmetics and beauty products industry, it is a common ingredient when it comes
to lotions as preservatives for helping the skin.
It is used in paints as preservatives because it is an effective solvent and also used in
cleansing products for preventing breach of organisms
It is used as a colour additive and is also used for giving an enhanced flavour
It is used in gasoline for preventing the knocking of engines and maintenance of
drivability.
2. Methyl alcohol
Methanol is simplest alcohol with chemical formula CH3OH. It is not a hydrocarbon since the
hydroxyl group is chemically bonded to the carbon atom. It consists of a methyl group linked
with a hydroxyl group. It is also known as Wood alcohol or Methyl alcohol.
H3C OH
Uses:
It is used in polymers after getting converted to formaldehyde.
It is used to produce hydrocarbons.
It is used as a precursor for methyl ethers, methylamines, and methyl halides.
It is used as a fuel for internal combustion engines.
It is an excellent energy carrier.
It is used in wastewater plants.
It is used as fuel in boating stoves and camping.
It is used as an antifreeze.
It is used in the synthesis of chemicals.
Pure methanol is used in the manufacture of perfumes, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
3. Chlorobutanol
Chlorobutanol (trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol) is an organic compound with the
formula CCl3C(OH)(CH3)2. The compound is an example of a chlorohydrin.
Cl CH3
Cl C C OH
Cl CH3
Uses:
The compound is a preservative, sedative, hypnotic and weak local anesthetic similar in
nature to chloral hydrate. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Chlorobutanol is typically used at a concentration of 0.5% where it lends long term
stability to multi-ingredient formulations.
4. Cetosteryl alcohol
Cetylsteryl alcohol, also known as ceteryl alcohol, is a kind of alcohol composed primarily of
fatty acids CETYL and STEARYL, which is a type fatty alcohol. A vegetable oil, such as palm
oil, is extracted to make it. Upon heating, it becomes a waxy white solid.
Uses:
Used in cosmetics as an opacifier or emollient in shampoos, or as a thickener or
emulsifier in creams and lotions.
Some "liquid pool covers" contain it as an active ingredient. They are also used as
lubricants for nuts and bolts. This surfactant can be used as an emulsion stabilizer,
opacifier, foam booster, and viscosity increases in both aqueous and nonaqueous
solutions. A feeling of emolliency is imparted to the skin with emulsions made of water-
in-oil and water-in-oil, as well as anhydrous formulations.
5. Benzyl Alcohol
This compound consists of a hydroxyl group attached to a methyl group, which is in turn
attached to an aromatic ring. The structure of a C6H5CH2OH molecule is illustrated below.
OH
H2C
Uses:
This compound is widely used as a solvent for epoxy resin coatings, inks, and paints. Some other
applications of benzyl alcohol are listed below.
It is a precursor to several esters.
A solution of benzyl alcohol with a concentration of 10% can be used as a local
anaesthetic and also as an antimicrobial agent.
This compound is a component of the fluid mixtures used in electronic cigarettes (it
enhances the flavour).
Benzyl alcohol can serve as a dielectric solvent for the reconfiguration of some
nanowires via dielectrophoresis.
5% solutions of this compound can be used to treat head lice.
It is used in the manufacture of soaps, shampoos, and skin lotions because of its
antifungal and antibacterial properties.
6. Glycerol
Glycerol molecule consists of a 3-carbon chain with 3 hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to each of
them. The carbon atoms have sp3 configuration and so, the molecule has a free rotation. The
glycerin structural formula is represented as-
H2C OH
CH OH
H2C OH
Uses:
Glycerol is used to power diesel generators supplying electricity.
It is used by the film industry when filming scenes involving water to stop areas from
drying out too quickly.
Glycerol is used as a replacement for water in ultrasonic testing.
It is used to produce hydrogen gas.
7. Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol, synthetic organic compound with the chemical CH3CH(OH)CH2OH. As it
contains two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol.
CH3
CH OH
HO C
H2
Uses:
Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water.
Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing
solutions. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries
as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive
that is “generally recognized as safe” for use in food.
It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or
food products.
It is a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint and plastics industries.
Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting
training and in theatrical productions.
Structure and Uses of Carbonyl compounds (Unit 4)
1. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde made of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen with the formula
CH2O.
O
H C H
Uses:
Used in the production of resins, principally urea-formaldehyde and phenol-
formaldehyde, which are used to make cores and moulds for foundries.
Used in agriculture and medicine where it is used as a disinfectant, fungicide, fumigant
and preservative.
Formaldehyde is used to produce a wide array of products, particularly building
materials.
2. Paraldehyde
Paraldehyde is the cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde molecules. Formally, it is a derivative of 1,3,5-
trioxane, with a methyl group substituted for a hydrogen atom at each carbon.
Uses:
It is a central nervous system depressant and was soon found to be an
effective anticonvulsant, hypnotic and sedative. It was included in some cough
medicines as an expectorant (though there is no known mechanism for this function
beyond the placebo effect).
As a hypnotic/sedative
As anti-seizure drug
3. Acetone
Acetone is a highly flammable organic compound. This organic solvent has a chemical formula
C3H6O. It is also known as propanone.
O
C
H3C CH3
Uses:
It is used as a solvent for synthetic fibres and plastics
It is used as a precursor for methyl methacrylate
It is used to prepare metal before painting
It is used in pharmaceutical industries in some drugs
It is volatile and hence used in the laboratory to rinse lab glassware
It is used as a drying agent
It is used in the defatting process
It is used in cosmetics such as nail polish remover
It is used in the treatment of acne
4. Chloral hydrate
Chloral hydrate is a geminal diol with the formula Cl3C−CH(OH)2.
Cl OH
Cl C CH
Cl OH
Uses:
Chloral hydrate, a sedative, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia (to help you
fall asleep and stay asleep for a proper rest) and to relieve anxiety and induce sleep before
surgery.
It is also used after surgery for pain and to treat alcohol withdrawal
5. Hexamine
C6H12N4 is a heterocyclic organic compound with the chemical name Hexamine. It is also called
Methenamine, Hexamethylenetetramine or Urotropin.
N
N N
Uses:
Hexamine is used in the production of liquid or powdery preparations of phenolic resins.
Used as binders in clutch and brake linings.
Used in the form of spray and cream to treat concomitant odour and excessive sweating.
Used in Grocott’s methenamine silver stain.
Used as a solid fuel.
Used as a food preservative.
Used as a primary ingredient in making RDX.
Used to prevent vulcanized rubber.
Used as a corrosion inhibitor for steel.
6. Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with
a formyl substituent. It is among the simplest aromatic aldehydes and one of the most industrially
useful.
O
HC
Uses:
It is used as a flavoring agent.
Benzaldehyde is used to make cosmetic and personal care products.
It is used as a solvent for oils and resins.
Cinnamic acid obtained from benzaldehyde is used in synthetic ingo and
pharmaceuticals.
Its odor is used as a bee repellent to extract honey.
It is used as pressure for the synthesis of chemical additives, pharmaceutical products,
and plastics.
7. Vanilin
Vanillin is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H8O3. It is a phenolic aldehyde.
Its functional groups include aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether.
Uses:
It is used in flavorings, foods, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.
Vanillin is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of several important drugs
and other products.
Human exposure to vanillin is through dermal contact with perfumes and ingestion of
food products that include vanillin as a flavor additive.
8. Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula C9H8O or C₆H₅CH=CHCHO.
Uses:
The most obvious application for cinnamaldehyde is as flavoring in chewing gum, ice
cream, candy, e-liquid and beverages; use levels range from 9 to 4,900 parts per million
(ppm) (that is, less than 0.5%).
Cinnamaldehyde, a phyto-compound, has been demonstrated to display important
antihyper glycemic properties.
