If one or more hydrogen atoms in a molecule are replaced by —OH groups, the resulting molecule is called an alcohol. For example, when one hydrogen atom of methane (CH4) is replaced by an —OH group, the resulting compound is called methanol (CH3OH). Methanol is a simple alcohol that is used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. When two hydrogen atoms of ethane (C2H6) are replaced by —OH groups, the resulting compound is called ethanol (C2H5OH), which is the most common alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
