Polyols
“A compound containing more than one hydroxyl group (OH). Each hydroxyl is attached to separate carbon atoms of an aliphatic skeleton. This group includes glycols, glycerol, and pentaerythritol and also such products as trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, sorbitol, inositol, and poly(vinyl alcohol). Polyols are obtained from many plant and animal sources and are synthesized by a variety of methods.”
“Polyols such as glycerol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, and trimethylolpropane are used in making alkyd resins for decorative and protective coatings. Glycols, glycerol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and sorbitol find application as humectants and plasticizers for gelatin, glue, and cork.”
“The polymeric polyols used in manufacture of the urethane foams represent a series of synthetic polyols. These polyols are generally poly(oxyethylene) or poly(oxypropylene) adducts of di-to octahydric alcohols.”
(Answers.com, Polyols, 3/16/2011)
By having a functionality 2 or more, these molecules can form polymers with acid or similar groups with a functionality of two or more or crosslink with polymers or oligomers with similarly active groups. (RDC 3/16/2011)