An alcohol contains one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups(s) attached to aliphatic carbon atom(s). For e.g., ethyl alcohol formula CH3, CH2, OH is an alcohol.
A phenol contains -OH group(s) directly attached to an aryl carbon atom(s). The simplest phenol is hydroxybenzene also called phenol with formula C6H5OH.In an ether, an oxygen atom is attached to two carbon atoms of two alkyl or an alkyl and an aryl or two aryl groups. The simplest ether is CH3-O-CH3.
The compounds under these 3 classes have wide application in our daily life as well as in industry. For e.g., ethanol is widely used, as an antiseptic in the form of rectified spirit. It is an important component important of all alcoholic beverages and is widely used as a solvent for lacquers and varnishes.Simple phenol is an antiseptic. A phenolic compound hexachlorophene is a constituent of several mouthwashes, deodorant soaps and medicinal skin cleansers.
The simple ether ethoxyethane has been used as an anaesthetic for a long time and is widely used as a solvent too.Some alcohols, phenols and ethers occur in nature and are used in the manufacture of perfumes and flavors due to their pleasant odors.
From alcohols various other classes of organic compounds can be synthesized. Phenols are used in the manufacture of dyes are resins like bakelite.[It must be noted that the aromatic compounds in which -OH group is not directly attached to benzene ring are not phenols but are called aromatic alcohols. These may be regarded as aryl derivatives of aliphatic alcohols.]
