Which of the following is an example of a monohydroxy alcohol?

The correct choice is ethanol because it is classified as a monohydroxy alcohol, which means it contains one hydroxyl group (-OH) in its molecular structure. Ethanol is a simple alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages and serves as a key ingredient in various industrial and household products. The presence of a single hydroxyl group is what defines it as a monohydroxy alcohol and differentiates it from other types of alcohols.

While butanol and propanol also have hydroxyl groups and are alcohols, they are classified based on their specific molecular structures. Glycerol, on the other hand, is a polyol, specifically a triol, because it contains three hydroxyl groups. This classification is crucial for understanding their chemical properties and uses, particularly in the context of funeral service practices, where different alcohols may be utilized for embalming solutions or other purposes.