Alkylol

/ˈælkɪˌlɔːl/ noun

Definition

An organic compound containing both an alkyl group and a hydroxyl (-OH) group, such as a fatty alcohol.

Etymology

From 'alkyl' (hydrocarbon group) + '-ol' (alcohol suffix). This systematic name describes compounds that are simultaneously hydrophobic and hydrophilic.

Kelly Says

Alkylols are the key ingredient in many soaps and detergents because one end loves water and the other loves grease—they're molecular diplomats that let oil and water get along.

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