Question

Which of the following is a polyhydric alcohol?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Glycerol
• C. Propanol
• D. Phenol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

A polyhydric alcohol is characterized by the presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups within its molecular structure. Below is an examination of the provided choices:

• Ethanol: With the chemical formula C₂H₅OH, it possesses a single hydroxyl group, classifying it as a monohydric alcohol.
• Propanol: This substance also contains only one hydroxyl group. Its formula is C₃H₇OH, identifying it as a monohydric alcohol.
• Phenol: Despite featuring an -OH group, phenol is an aromatic compound and is categorized separately from alcohols under standard classification.
• Glycerol: This compound, represented by the chemical formula C₃H₈O₃, features three hydroxyl groups (OH). Consequently, it is a polyhydric alcohol due to having more than one hydroxyl group.

Accordingly, Glycerol is the correct selection, fulfilling the definition of a polyhydric alcohol.