alcohol: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 8, 2026

News •

Even moderate drinking linked to cancer and early death, major study finds • Nov. 1, 2026, 11:14 PM ET (Science Daily)

Just two drinks a day may be far riskier than you think • Oct. 25, 2026, 8:36 AM ET (Science Daily)

Photos and Videos

Structural diagram of a cholesterol molecule showing its four-ring steroid nucleus, labeled A through D, a hydroxyl group, and a hydrocarbon side chain branching from the main structure.

oxidation of alcohols

Diagram showing common functional groups in monomers-amine, carboxylic acid, alcohol, and isocyanate-at the top, and their resulting polymer linkages-amide, ester, and carbamate (urethane)-at the bottom, with color-coded chemical structures and connecting lines illustrating how monomers combine during polymerization.

A hand holds a magnifying glass over an Absolut Vodka label, highlighting “80 PROOF” with question marks in the background.

Illustration of a flame overlaid on a vintage distillery, with drawings of wheat, sugar, and bubbles around it.

How is vodka made?

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Topics

mannitol trematol xylitol terpineol sorbitol isopulegol geraniol fenchyl alcohol borneol sugar alcohol carboxylic acid hydrocarbon aldehyde phenol ether ketone olefin aromatic compound vinyl compound acrylic compound

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Key People

Pierre-Eugène-Marcellin Berthelot

Pierre-Eugène-Marcellin Berthelot

French chemist

ean-Baptiste-André Dumas

Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas

French chemist

Williamson, Alexander William

Alexander William Williamson

British chemist