09f Alcohols

Question 1

Types of alcohols

Answer 1

Attached to one carbon atom: primary alcohol
two carbon atoms: secondary alcohol
three carbon atoms: tertiary alcohol

Question 2

Physical Properties of Alcohols:

Boiling Points

Answer 2

Increases as the alkyl chain increases

due to the strength of dispersion forces increasing as the size of electron cloud increases when the alkyl chain increases. Hence, more energy is needed to overcome the dispersion forces.

Question 3

Chemical Reactions of Alcohols

Answer 3

Redox(Acid-metal): Alcohols react with Group 1, salt+H2

Dehydration/Elimination:
Alcohol to Alkene and H 2O,
using excess concentrated H2SO4, heat

Condensation with carboxylic acids:
formation of ester with acid and alcohol,
using a few drops of concentrated H2SO4, heat

Oxidation:
Alcohol to acid
Oxidising agent (K2Cr2O7, KMnO4), heat, H2SO4
*must have at least one H atom bonded to the carbon atom, hence tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidised