Glycerol is -

Options

A. Tetrahydroxy propane
B. Trihydroxy propane
C. Trihydroxy butane
D. Tetrahydroxy butane

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Glycerol:**
Glycerol is a type of alcohol that is classified as a trihydric alcohol. This means it contains three hydroxyl (–OH) groups.

2. **Chemical Structure:**
The chemical structure of glycerol consists of three carbon atoms (C) connected in a chain. Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydroxyl group.

3. **Valence and Hydrogen Atoms:**
Each carbon atom has four valence electrons. In glycerol, two of these valence electrons are used to form bonds with adjacent carbon atoms, and the remaining two electrons are satisfied by hydrogen atoms. Therefore, each carbon in glycerol is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group.

4. **Naming of Glycerol:**
The common name "glycerol" is derived from its structure. The systematic name is "trihydroxypropane," which indicates that it is a propane (three carbon atoms) with three hydroxyl groups.

5. **Conclusion:**
Glycerol is correctly identified as a trihydroxypropane, confirming its classification as a trihydric alcohol.

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