Definition

A type of organic compound that contains three or more hydroxyl groups, which are chemical groups consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Example

Polyols are often used in the production of plastics and food products.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a polyol?

Yeah, I think it's some kind of organic compound, right?

Exactly! It has multiple hydroxyl groups in its structure.

That's so interesting; I never knew chemistry could be so cool!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polyol → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "ol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote alcohols or compounds containing hydroxyl groups). The word "polyol" refers to a type of compound that contains multiple hydroxyl groups, hence many alcohol functionalities.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') hydroxyl groups in a compound — that's what makes a polyol a substance with multiple alcohol-like properties.

Visually Confused Words