POLYALCOHOL Meaning and
Definition
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Polyalcohol is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as polyols, also referred to as sugar alcohols. It is characterized by having multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to its carbon skeleton. Polyalcohol is derived from monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, through a chemical process called hydrogenation. This process involves the reduction of carbonyl groups, typically aldehydes or ketones, to form hydroxyl groups, resulting in the conversion of a sugar molecule to a polyalcohol.
Polyalcohols are commonly used in various industries due to their unique chemical properties. They are widely utilized as sweeteners and additives in food and beverages, serving as an alternative to natural sugars or artificial sweeteners. Additionally, polyalcohols have a lower calorie content compared to sucrose, making them suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Furthermore, polyalcohols are utilized in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, primarily as humectants and moisturizers due to their ability to retain water. This property makes them beneficial for the formulation of personal care products, creams, and lotions, as they can provide hydration and prevent drying of the skin.
Overall, polyalcohols are organic compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups that have a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, contributing to their sweetness, moisturizing, and hydrating properties.
Common Misspellings for POLYALCOHOL
- oolyalcohol
- lolyalcohol
- 0olyalcohol
- pilyalcohol
- pklyalcohol
- pllyalcohol
- pplyalcohol
- p0lyalcohol
- p9lyalcohol
- pokyalcohol
- popyalcohol
- pooyalcohol
- poltalcohol
- polgalcohol
- polhalcohol
- polualcohol
- pol7alcohol
- pol6alcohol
- polyzlcohol
- polyslcohol
Etymology of POLYALCOHOL
The word "polyalcohol" is derived from two components: "poly" and "alcohol".
The prefix "poly-" comes from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "much". In scientific terminology, "poly-" is commonly used to denote a compound or molecule that contains multiple repeated units or has many parts.
The term "alcohol" originates from the Arabic al-kohl, meaning "the kohl". The word "kohl" referred to a fine powder used as an eyeliner, which has been used by ancient civilizations. It was later adopted by alchemists to describe a substance produced by the distillation of wine and beer.
In modern chemistry, "alcohol" is defined as a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom.
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