What is the name of the compound with formula C2H5OH?

The compound with formula C2H5OH is ethanol. Its structure contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom, with the oxygen-bearing hydroxyl group identifying it as an alcohol. The name “ethanol” combines “eth-” for two carbon atoms with “-ol,” the suffix used for alcohols.

Ethanol is also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, or simply alcohol in everyday contexts. Yeast produces it by fermenting sugars, a process used for thousands of years in making beer, wine, and other drinks. Modern industry also makes ethanol by hydrating ethene, an important petrochemical feedstock.

The wrong options represent different compounds. Methanol has one carbon atom and is highly toxic; propanol has three carbon atoms; and acetic acid is a carboxylic acid with formula CH3COOH rather than an alcohol. Ethanol is used not only in beverages but also as a solvent, disinfectant, fuel additive, and chemical raw material.