The archetypal example ethanol , CH 3 CH 2 OH, is also commonly referred to simply as 'alcohol'. They react with chlorinating agents to form chloroalkanes, and with acids to form esters. They can be dehydrated by concentrated sulphuric acid to alkenes . The oxidation product of an alcohol depends on the structure of the alkyl group.
Methanol is used as a fuel.
Higher alcohols are used to manufacture detergents and plasticizers. The New Penguin Dictionary of Science 2. The New Penguin Dictionary of Science 3. All rights reserved.