polyol

A polyol is an organic compound containing more than one hydroxyl group. This is similar to alcohols, but with multiple hydroxyl groups attached to different carbon atoms within the molecule. The simplest and most common example is ethylene glycol, which has two hydroxyl groups.

Polyols are a diverse group of compounds with various applications. For instance, polyethylene glycols are used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while polypropylene glycols are used in industrial processes and to create polyurethane resins. Phenols, a related family of organic compounds, feature a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring and are used as disinfectants, antiseptics, and in the synthesis of plastics, explosives, and drugs.1234