What is alcohol composed of?

Alcohols are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom of an alkyl or substituted alkyl group. The general formula for an alcohol is R-OH, where R represents the alkyl or substituted alkyl group.

The simplest alcohol is methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol. Other common alcohols include ethanol (C2H5OH), also known as grain alcohol or drinking alcohol; isopropanol (C3H7OH), also known as rubbing alcohol; and butanol (C4H9OH), also known as butyl alcohol.

Alcohols are found naturally in fermented fruits, vegetables, and grains. They can also be produced synthetically through various chemical processes. Alcohols are widely used in a variety of applications, including:

* As a solvent in paints, varnishes, and other coatings

* As a fuel for internal combustion engines

* As a disinfectant and antiseptic

* As a starting material for the synthesis of other organic compounds

* As a beverage (ethanol)