The general molecular formula which denotes the homologous series of alcohols.

Alcohol is an homologous series in which the compounds contain a functional group called the hydroxyl group (-OH). The general molecular formula for alcohols is ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+2}\mathrm{O}$. Alcohols are all derivatives of hydrocarbons in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon have been replaced by a hydroxyl group.