Which of the following is a polyhydric alcohol?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Glycerol
Alcohols are classified by the number of –OH groups in the molecule: monohydric (one), dihydric (two) and trihydric or polyhydric (three or more).
Glycerol, propane-1,2,3-triol, has three –OH groups, so it is a trihydric, that is a polyhydric, alcohol:
\( \displaystyle \ce{HOCH2-CH(OH)-CH2OH} \)
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Alcohols— Mono, Di, Tri or Polyhydric Alcohols
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 19-07 S1 29-05 S1 | – | – |