Read the passage carefully and answer the questions.

Alcohols and phenols are formed when a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon, aliphatic and aromatic respectively is replaced by - OH group. These are further classified on the basis of number of hydroxy groups and according to the hybridization of the carbon atom $sp^2$ or $sp^3$ to which the -OH group is attached. They find applications in industry as well as in day-to-day life. One of the most commercially obtained alcohol also known as wood spirit is obtained by destructive distillation of wood. Both alcohols and phenols are acidic in nature. The acidity of alcohols and phenols vary according to the nature of substituent(s) attached to them. Alcohols and phenols react with carboxylic acids, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides to form esters. Introduction of acetyl group in alcohols and phenols is called acetylation. Phenol undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction because the -OH activates the benzene ring. It undergoes nitration, halogenation and sulphonation reactions.

Which compound is also known as 'wood spirit'?

Methanol

The correct answer is Option (2) → Methanol 

Methanol (CH₃OH) is commonly known as wood spirit or wood alcohol.

Historically, methanol was produced by the destructive distillation of wood, where wood was heated in the absence of air. During this process, methanol was obtained as one of the products.

Because of this method of preparation, methanol received the common name wood spirit.

Methanol is a simple alcohol and is widely used as: • An industrial solvent • A fuel • A starting material for producing formaldehyde and other chemicals

However, methanol is highly toxic and ingestion can cause blindness or death.

Option 1: Ethanol Ethanol is commonly known as ethyl alcohol or drinking alcohol, not wood spirit. Hence incorrect.

Option 2: Methanol -- Methanol is obtained historically from the destructive distillation of wood and is therefore called wood spirit. Hence correct.

Option 3: Resorcinol Resorcinol is a dihydroxybenzene compound and is not known as wood spirit. Hence incorrect.

Option 4: Phenol Phenol is commonly called carbolic acid, not wood spirit. Hence incorrect.