Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses

Hydrocarbo compound Formula /

n Structure
Alcohol hydroxyl functional Methanol Wood alcohol CH3OH also used as a solvent, and as
group (-OH)  an antifreeze in pipelines and windshield
washer fluid.

In some wastewater treatment plants, a

small amount of methanol is added
to wastewater to provide a food source of
carbon for the denitrifying bacteria, which
convert nitrates to nitrogento reduce the
denitrification of sensitive aquifers.

During World War II, methanol was used

as a fuel in several German military rocket
designs, under name M-Stoff, and in a
mixture as C-Stoff.
Methanol was used as an automobile
coolant antifreeze in the early 1900s.

Methanol is used as a denaturing agent

in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Direct-methanol fuel cells are unique in
their low temperature, atmospheric
pressure operation, allowing them to be
miniaturized to an unprecedented degree.
This, combined with the relatively easy
and safe storage and handling of methanol
may open the possibility of fuel cell-
powered consumer electronics, such as
for laptop computers and mobile phones.

Methanol is also a widely used fuel in

camping and boating stoves. Methanol
burns well in an unpressurized burner, so
alcohol stoves are often very simple,
sometimes little more than a cup to hold
fuel. This lack of complexity makes them a
favorite of hikers who spend extended
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
time in the wilderness.

Methanol is mixed with water and injected

into high performance diesel engines for
an increase of power and a decrease in
exhaust gas temperature. This is called
water methanol injection.

Ethanol Grain alcohol C2H5OH As a fuel

Alcoholic beverages

Feedstock

Antiseptic

Antidote for methanol poisoning

Solvent

Historical uses. Ethanol was commonly

used as fuel in
early bipropellant rocket (liquid propelled)
vehicles, in conjunction with
an oxidizer such as liquid oxygen. The
German V-2 rocket of World War II,
credited with beginning the space age,
used ethanol, mixed with 25% of water to
reduce the combustion chamber
temperature. The V-2's design team
helped develop U.S. rockets following
World War II, including the ethanol-
fueled Redstone rocket, which launched
the first U.S. satellite. Alcohols fell into
general disuse as more efficient rocket
fuels were developed.
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
Pentanol Amyl alcohol C5H11OH used as a solvent and in esterfication for
example in the production of amyl acetate
Hexadecan-1-ol Cetyl alcohol C16H33OH used in the cosmetic industry as
a surfactant in shampoos, or as
an emollient, emulsifier or thickening
agent in the manufacture of skin creams
and lotions.[4] It is also employed as
a lubricant for nuts and bolts.
Ethane-1 ,2-diol Ethylene glycol C2H4(OH)2 used in the cosmetic industry as
a surfactant in shampoos, or as
an emollient, emulsifier or thickening
agent in the manufacture of skin creams
and lotions. It is also employed as
a lubricant for nuts and bolts.

as a medium for convective heat

transfer in, for example, automobiles and
liquid cooled computers. 
Propane-1 ,2,3-triol Glycerin C3H5(OH)3 Glycerol is used for an evaporative fogging
agent as an alternative to Propylene
Glycol in some solutions for "electronic
cigarette" use, mostly for those with a
physiological sensitivity or other health
concerns.

It is also used in de-icing/anti-icing fluids,

as in vitrification of blood cells for storage
in liquid nitrogen.

In motion-picture production, glycerol is

used as a non-evaporating substitute for
perspiration or tears on actors. It is also
used in some types of stage blood.

Compost additive

For tincture extraction and preservation of

 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
essential oils and chemicals from herbs

Citric acid production
Cosmetic bonding agent for makeup,
including: eye shadow, lipstick, lipgloss,
lotions and eyedrops

Glycerol may be used as antifreeze for

plants, if mixed with water in a 10 percent
solution. It is believed to be effective at
temperatures near -18 °C

Glycerol can also be used as a

bodybuilding supplement to increase nitric
oxide (NO) uptake in the muscles and act
in a similar way to the amino
acid arginine to create swelling in the
working muscle for the individual

Glycerin, when poured on potassium

permanganate, will combust making it a
useful firelighting tool.

Glycerine is used as an anti-drying agent

in watercolor paints.
Glycerine is used as a preservative to
keep tobacco mixture for use
in hookahs moist.

Glycerin may be used to clean out sanitary

sewers.

Butane-1 ,2,3,4- Erythritol C4H6(OH)4 commonly used as a medium in which to

tetraol deliver high intensity sweeteners,
especially stevia derivatives, serving the
dual function of providing both bulk and
additional flavor. Diet beverages made
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
with this blend thus also contain erythritol
in addition to the main sweetener
Pentane-1 ,2,3,4,5- Xylitol C5H7(OH)5 used round the world, mainly as a
pentol sweetener in chewing gums and pastilles.
Other applications include oral hygiene
products such as toothpaste, fluoride
tablets andmouthwashes. The
pharmaceutical industry uses xylitol as a
sweetener in its products.
Hexane-1 , Mannitol, Sorbitol C6H8(OH)6 used as an osmotic diuretic agent and a
2,3,4,5,6-hexol weak renalvasodilator. It was originally
isolated from the secretions of
the flowering ash, called manna after their
resemblance to the Biblical food, and is
also referred to as mannite and manna
sugar.

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute.

used as a non-stimulant laxative via an
oral suspension or enema.

used in bacterial culture media to

distinguish the pathogenic Escherichia
coli 0154:H7 from most other strains of E.
coli as it is usually incapable of fermenting
sorbitol, but 93% of known E. coli strains
are capable of doing so.

used in modern cosmetics as
a humectant and thickener. Sorbitol often
is used in mouthwash and toothpaste.
Some transparent gels can be made only
with sorbitol, as it has a refractive
index sufficiently high for transparent
formulations.
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
Sorbitol is used as
a cryoprotectant additive (mixed
with sucrose and sodium polyphosphates)
in the manufacture of surimi, a highly
refined fish paste most commonly
produced from Alaska (or
walleye) pollock (Theragra
chalcogramma). It is also used as
a humectant in some cigarettes.

Heptane-1 , Volemitol C7H9(OH)7  used as a natural sweetening agent.

2,3,4,5,6,7-heptol
Prop-2-ene-1-ol Allyl alcohol C3H5OH  used as a raw material for the production
of glycerol, but is used as a precursor to
many specialized compounds
3,7-Dimethylocta- Geraniol C10H17OH used in flavors such as peach, raspberry,
2,6-dien-1-ol grapefruit, red apple, plum, lime, orange,
lemon, watermelon, pineapple, and
blueberry.
Prop-2-in-1-ol Propargyl alcohol C3H3OH used as a corrosion inhibitor, a metal
complex solution, a solvent stabilizer and
an electroplating brightener additive. It is
also used as an intermediate in organic
synthesis.
Cyclohexane-1 , Inositol C6H6(OH)6 used as an adulterant (or cutting agent) in
2,3,4,5,6-geksol many illegal drugs, such
as cocaine, methamphetamine, and
sometimes heroin. It is presumed that this
use is connected with the substance's
solubility and near-lack of taste (which is
easily hidden by the chemical substance).
2 - (2-propyl)-5- Menthol C10H19OH In non-prescription products for short-term
methyl- relief of minor sore throat and minor mouth
cyclohexane-1-ol or throat irritation
Examples: lip balms and cough medicines

As an antipruritic to reduce itching

 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure

As a topical analgesic to relieve minor

aches and pains such as muscle cramps,
sprains, headaches and similar conditions,
alone or combined with chemicals
like camphor,eucalyptus oil or capsaicin.
In Europe it tends to appear as a gel or a
cream, while in the US patches and body
sleeves are very frequently used
Examples: Tiger Balm, or IcyHot patches
or knee/elbow sleeves

In decongestants for chest and sinuses

(cream, patch or nose inhaler)
Examples: Vicks Vaporub, Mentholatum

In certain medications used to

treat sunburns, as it provides a cooling
sensation (then often associated with aloe)

As an additive in certain cigarette brands,

for flavor, to reduce the throat and sinus
irritation caused by smoking.

Commonly used in oral hygiene products

and bad-breath remedies
like mouthwash, toothpaste, mouth and
tongue-spray, and more generally as a
food flavor agent; e.g. in chewing
gum, candy

In a soda to be mixed with water to obtain

a very low alcohol drink or pure
(brand Ricqlès which contains 80%
alcohol in France). The alcohol is also
used to alleviate nausea, in
particular motion sickness, by pouring a
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
few drops on a lump of sugar.

As a pesticide against tracheal
mites of honey bees

In perfumery, menthol is used to prepare

menthyl esters to emphasize floral notes
(especially rose)
In first aid products such as "mineral ice"
to produce a cooling effect as a substitute
for real ice in the absence of water or
electricity (Pouch, Body patch/sleeve or
cream)

In various patches ranging from fever-

reducing patches applied to children's
foreheads to "foot patches" to relieve
numerous ailments (the latter being much
more frequent and elaborate in Asia,
especially Japan: some varieties use
"functional protrusions", or small bumps to
massage ones feet as well as soothing
them and cooling them down)

In some beauty products such as hair-

conditioners, based on natural ingredients
(e.g. St. Ives)

Ether an ether group — methoxymethane Dimethyl ether CH3-O-CH3 The largest use of dimethyl ether is
an oxygen atom connect currently (2010) as substitute for propane
ed to in LPG used as fuel in household and
two alkyl or aryl groups industry. The largest use of DME for this
— of general formula R– purpose is in China. Dimethyl ether has
O–R. two other primary applications: as a
propellant in aerosol canisters, and as a
precursor to dimethyl sulfate. As an
aerosol propellant, dimethyl ether is useful
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
as a somewhat polar solvent. It can also
be used as a refrigerant.
Ethoxyethane Diethyl ether CH3CH2-O- It is particularly important as a solvent in
CH2CH3 the production of cellulose plastics such
as cellulose acetate.

As a fuel
Laboratory uses
Anesthetic use
Recreational use

Oxolane Tetrahydrofuran O(CH2)4 The primary use of this polymer is to

make elastomeric polyurethane fibers
like Spandex

The other main application of THF is as an

industrial solvent for PVC and
in varnishes.

Although a minor application, THF is a

popular solvent in the laboratory when a
moderately higher-boiling ethereal solvent
is required and its water miscibility is not
an issue. 

1,4-Dioxane Dioxane O(C2H4)2O Dioxane is primarily used as a stabilizer

1,4- for 1,1,1-trichloroethane for storage and
Dioxacyclohexane transport in aluminium containers.
Normally aluminium is protected by a
passivating oxide layer, but when these
layers are disturbed, highly reactive
metallic aluminium is exposed to the
chlorocarbon. This aluminium reacts with
1,1,1-trichloroethane to give aluminium
trichloride, which in turn catalyses
the dehydrohalogenationof the remaining
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
1,1,1-trichloroethane to vinylidene
chloride and hydrogen chloride. Reflecting
its properties as a ligand, dioxane
"poisons" the aluminum trichloride catalyst,
by formation of an adduct. Apart from its
use as a stabilizer, dioxane is used in a
variety of applications as a solvent, e.g. in
inks and adhesives.
Phenol  phenyl, bonded to Hydroxybenzene Carbolic Acid, C6H6O The major uses of phenol involve its
a hydroxyl (-OH). Benzenol, Phenylic conversion to plastics or related materials.
Acid, Hydroxybenzene, Condensation with acetone
Phenic acid, Phenyl gives bisphenol-A, a key building block
alcohol for polycarbonates. Condensation
withformaldehyde gives phenolic resins,
the most famous of which is Bakelite.
Hydrogenation of phenol
gives cyclohexanone, an intermediate en
route to nylon. Nonionic detergents are
produced by alkylation of phenol to give
the alkylphenols, which are then subjected
to ethoxylation.

Phenol is also a versatile precursor to a

large collection of drugs, most
notably aspirin but also
many herbicides and pharmaceuticals.

Aldehyde with the structure R- methanal Formaldehyde, formol, CH2O Industrial applications. Thetextile
CHO, consists of methyl aldehyde, industry uses formaldehyde-based resins
acarbonyl centre bonded methylene oxide, as finishers to make fabrics crease-
to hydrogen and an R methanal resistant. Formaldehyde-based materials
group. are key to the manufacture of automobiles,
and used to make components for the
transmission, electrical system, engine
block, door panels, axles and brake
shoes. 
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
Disinfectant and biocide. An aqueous
solution of formaldehyde can be useful as
a disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and
fungi (including their spores). It is also
used as a preservative in vaccines.
Formaldehyde solutions are applied
topically in medicine to dry the skin, such
as in the treatment of warts. Many
aquarists use formaldehyde as a treatment
for the parasites Ichthyophthirius
multifiliisand Cryptocaryon irritans.

Formaldehyde is used to inactivate

bacterial products for toxoid vaccines
(vaccines that use an inactive bacterial
toxin to produce immunity). It is also used
to kill unwanted viruses and bacteria that
might contaminate the vaccine during
production.

Tissue fixative and embalming agent.

Formaldehyde solutions are used as
a fixative for microscopy and histology.
Formaldehyde-based solutions are also
used in embalming to disinfect and
temporarily preserve human and animal
remains. It is the ability of formaldehyde to
fix the tissue that produces the tell-tale
firmness of flesh in an embalmed body. In
post mortem examinations a procedure
known as the "sink test" involves placing
the lungs of an animal in an aqueous
solution of formaldehyde; if the lungs float
it suggests the animal was probably
breathing or able to breathe at the time of
death.
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
Miscellaneous applications. Formaldehyde
is a common component of many uses.
Formaldehyde, along with
18 M (concentrated) sulfuric acid (the
entire solution often called the Marquis
reagent), is used as anMDMA (the drug
ecstasy) "testing kit" by such groups
as Dancesafe as well as MDMA
consumers. The solution alone cannot
verify the presence of MDMA but reacts
with many other chemicals that the MDMA
tablet itself may be adulterated with. The
reaction itself produces colors that
correlate with these components.
In photography, formaldehyde is still used
in low concentrations for process C-
41 (color negative film) stabilizer in the
final wash step, as well as in the process
E-6 pre-bleach step, to obviate the need
for it in the final wash.

Formaldehyde is used extensively in the

woodworking and cabinet-making
industries. Formaldehyde is used in the
glues which bond particle-board together.
The particle board is used underneath
wood veneer and plastic laminate.
Cabinets, bank counters, and veneered
and laminated woodwork all use particle
board containing formaldehyde under the
plastic laminate and wood veneer.

Acetaldehyde Acetaldehyde, Ethanal, C2H4O Traditionally, acetaldehyde was mainly

Acetic Aldehyde used as a precursor to acetic acid. This
Ethyl Aldehyde application has declined because acetic
acid is made more efficiently from
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
methanol by the Monsanto and Cativa
processes. It is still heavily used. In terms
of condensation reactions, acetaldehyde is
an important precursor
to pyridine derivatives, pentaerythritol,
and crotonaldehyde. Urea and
acetaldehyde combine to give a
useful resin. Acetic anhydride reacts with
acetaldehyde to give ethylidene diacetate,
a precursor to vinyl acetate, which is used
to produce polyvinyl acetate.

Propanal Propanal, C3H6O It is principally used as a precursor

Propionaldehyde, to trimethylolethane (CH3C(CH2OH)3)
Methylacetaldehyde; through a condensation
propionic aldehyde; reaction with methanol; this triol is an
propaldehyde important intermediate in the production
of alkyd resins.

Condensation of propionaldehyde
with tert-butylamine gives CH3CH2CH=N-t-
Bu, a three-carbon building block used
in organic synthesis. Deprotonation of
this imine with LDA produces
CH3CHLiCH=N-t-Bu, which in turn
condenses with aldehydes.

butanal Butyraldehyde, butanal C4H8O It is miscible with most organic solvents.

Benzaldehyde Benzaldehyde, C6H5CHO It is commonly employed to
Phenylmethanal confer almond flavor. Benzaldehyde is
Benzenecarboxaldehy used chiefly as a precursor to other
de organic compounds, ranging from
Benzoic aldehydev pharmaceuticals to plastic additives.

The aniline dye malachite green is
prepared from benzaldehyde
and dimethylaniline. It is a precursor to
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
certain acridine dyes as well. Via aldol
condensations, benzaldehyde is converted
into derivatives
of cinnamaldehyde and styrene. The
synthesis of mandelic acid starts from
benzaldehyde:
(2E)-3-phenylprop- Cinnamaldehyde, C9H8O he most obvious application for
2-enal Cinnamic aldehyde; cinnamaldehyde is as flavoring in items
trans-cinnamaldehyde like chewing gum, ice cream, candy,
and beverages range from 9 to
4900ppm(parts per million) (that is, less
than 0.5%). It is also used in
some perfumes of natural, sweet,
or fruity scents. Almond,apricot, butterscot
ch, and other aromas may partially employ
the compound for their pleasant smells.
Cinnamaldehyde can be used as afood
adulterant;
powdered beechnut husk aromatized with
cinnamaldehyde can be marketed as
powdered cinnamon.

Cinnamaldehyde is also used as

a fungicide. Proven effective on over 40
different crops, cinnamaldehyde is
typically applied to the rootsystems of
plants. Its low toxicity and well-known
properties make it ideal for agriculture.
Cinnamaldehyde is an
effective insecticide, and its scent is also
known to repel animals like cats and dogs.
Cinnamaldehyde has recently been
recognized as a very effective insecticide
for mosquito larvae. As little as 29 ppm
(parts per million) of cinnamaldehyde kills
half of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae in
24 hours
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure

Another use for cinnamaldehyde is as an

antimicrobial. Researchers from the
University of Illinois at Chicago (who were
funded by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company)
have found that cinnamic aldehyde, when
used in Big Red, prevented oral bacterial
growth by more than 50 percent. It is
especially effective against bacteria living
at the back of the tongue, reducing
anaerobic bacteria populations by about
43 percent.

Recent research documents anti-cancer

activity of cinnamaldehyde/cinnamic
aldehyde observed in cell culture and
animal models of the disease.
Proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth
were inhibited in a murine A375 model of
human melanoma

Cinnamaldehyde is also known as

a corrosion inhibitor for steel and other
ferrous alloys in corrosive fluids. It can be
used in combination with additional
components such as dispersing
agents, solvents and other surfactants.
4- 4-Methylbenzaldehyde, C8H8O p-Tolualdehyde is used as an intermediate
methylbenzaldehyd p-Tolualdehyde; p- for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes
e tolylaldehyde perfumes and agrochemicals. It is also
used as a fixative of flavorings.
Ketone compound with the 1-phenylethanone Acetophenone, Phenyl C6H5C(O)CH Commercially significant resins are
structure RC(=O)R', methyl ketone, ACP, 3 produced from treatment of acetophenone
where R and R' can be a Phenylethanone with formaldehyde and base. The resulting
variety of atoms and polymers are conventionally described
groups of atoms. It with the formula [(C6H5C(O)CH]x(CH2)x}n,
features a carbonyl resulting from aldol condensation. These
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
group (C=O) bonded to materials are components
two other carbon atoms. ofcoatings and inks. Modified
acetophenone-formaldehyde resins are
produced by the hydrogenation of the
aforementioned ketone-containing resins.
The resulting polyol can be further
crosslinked with diisocyanates.[1] These
modified resins are again found in
coatings, inks, as well as adhesives.
2,3-Butanedione Diacetyl, Diacetyl C4H6O2 Diacetyl and acetoin are two compounds
Biacetyl that give butter its characteristic taste.
Dimethyl diketone Because of this, manufacturers
2,3-Diketobutane of margarines or similar oil-based products
typically add diacetyl and acetoin (along
with beta carotene for the yellow color) to
make the final product butter-flavored,
because it would otherwise be relatively
tasteless.

At low levels, diacetyl contributes a

slipperiness to the feel of the alcoholic
beverage in the mouth. As levels increase,
it imparts a buttery orbutterscotch flavor
(butterscotch itself may have no diacetyl in
it at all).

Hexanol and 2,3-butanedione are strong

inhibitors of the CO2-sensitive neurons in
the fruit fly. CO2 emitted in human breath
is the main attractant for
the Culex mosquito to find people.
Butenone Methyl vinyl ketone, C4H6O MVK can act as an alkylating
Butenone, agent because it is an effective Michael
Methyl vinyl ketone acceptor. Its alkylating ability is both the
MVK source of its high toxicity and the feature
Methylene acetone that makes it a useful intermediate
in organic synthesis. MVK
 Aromatic Type of organic IUPAC Name Common Name Chemical Uses
Hydrocarbo compound Formula /
n Structure
will polymerize spontaneously, and is used
in the manufacture of plastic polymers. It is
also an intermediate in the synthesis
of steroids and vitamin A.
cyclopropanone Cyclopropanone C3H4O  the use of cyclopropanone itself is
substituted by that
of synthons like acetals cyclopropanone
ethyl hemiacetal orcyclopropanone ethyl
trimethylsilyl acetal.