Alcohols

In chemistry, an alcohol is defined as being any organic compound in which a hydroxyl functional group is bound to a carbon atom, usually connected to other carbon or hydrogen atoms. Alcohols will have an odor as often described as "biting" or "hanging" in the nasal passages. There are various applications and uses of alcohols that vary from use in foods and beverages, fuels, and for many scientific, medical, and industrial purposes. For instance, Ethanol has been used in the form of alcoholic beverages since pre-historic times. Both methanol and ethanol can be used as an alcohol fuel. Ethanol can also be used as a solvent or antiseptic used to disinfect the skin. It's easy to relate to the many day to day uses of alcohols and the various parts they play in our lives. The production of alcohol can come from one of two methods. First, by fermentation using glucose from sugar from the hydrolysis of yeast will yield ethanol. Second, by direct hydration using ethelyne.In any form, alchols can be seen as toxic to our bodies. Ethanol, as used in alcoholic beverages, can lead to a state of intoxication which will result in a "hangover" as its effects wear off the human body. Other alcohols, such as methanol, can be substantially more poisonous than ethanol because they are metabolized at a much slower rate and becaue their metabolism can produce substances that are even more toxic than the alcohol itself. For instance, methanol is oxidized to formaldehyde and then to a poisonous formic acid in the liver. What I find interesting in this instance is that in the case of treatment for ingestion of a toxic like methanol, ethanol would be administered to reduce or prevent toxicity. Ironic that alcohols can be seen as dual purpose, for as many toxic hazards they may produce, they may also have an equal advantage. For instance, isopropyl alcohol, better known to most of us as rubbing alcohol, is quite useful in the treatment of minor scratches and cuts as a disinfectant. However, if ingested, as little as four ounces of isopropyl alcohol can prove to be fatal. Alcohols are present in just about everything we come in contact with on a daily basis. Easily, alcohol can be seen as both useful and toxic and should be handled in all cases with precaution. To the Embalmer, alcohol is present in chemical embalming of the dead human body. In areas of the world such as Nepal, homemade alcohols are used primarily for the purpose of embalming since other chemicals, such as formalin, are not as readily available. Alcohol can be accredited as a useful substance in this case for its preservative, bactericidal, and disinfecting qualities. Alcohols purposes and uses seem to be limitless and prove most beneficial in all facets of our daily lives and beyond.