What is a triol?

A triol is defined as a compound that contains three hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to its molecular structure. The term "triol" comes from the prefix "tri-", indicating the number three, and "ol", which refers to alcohols or compounds with hydroxyl functional groups. In organic chemistry, these hydroxyl groups can significantly influence the properties and reactivity of the molecule. For example, a triol would exhibit higher solubility in water compared to compounds with fewer hydroxyl groups due to increased hydrogen bonding capabilities. This unique characteristic allows triols to be involved in various biochemical processes and applications in pharmaceuticals or biological systems.