Question

Which among the following is a trihydric alcohol?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Glycerol
• C. Ethylene Glycol
• D. Phenol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In chemistry, a trihydric alcohol is an alcohol with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Let's assess each option to identify the trihydric alcohol:

• Ethanol: C₂H₅OH. Ethanol contains one hydroxyl group, making it a monohydric alcohol.
• Glycerol: C₃H₅(OH)₃. Glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups, classifying it as a trihydric alcohol.
• Ethylene Glycol: C₂H₄(OH)₂. Ethylene glycol has two hydroxyl groups, which makes it a dihydric alcohol.
• Phenol: C₆H₅OH. Phenol contains one hydroxyl group, so it is a monohydric alcohol.

Based on the structure and number of hydroxyl groups, the correct answer is Glycerol as it is the only option with three hydroxyl groups.

Answer 2

• Glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a trihydric alcohol because it contains three hydroxyl (–OH) groups. 
• Ethanol (Option A) is a monohydric alcohol, containing one hydroxyl group.
• Ethylene Glycol (Option C) is a dihydric alcohol, containing two hydroxyl groups.
• Phenol (Option D) is an aromatic compound with one hydroxyl group, but it is not classified as an alcohol.

So, glycerol is the trihydric alcohol in this case.