2.7 Alcohols & Carboxylic Acids

Question 1

What are the methods of making alcohol?

Answer 1

• nucleophilic substitution of halogenoalkanes
• hydration of ethane ( steam, H3PO4 catalyst, 60atm, 300°C )
• fermentation of glucose with yeast catalyst

Question 2

How do you classify an alcohol?

Answer 2

Count the number of atoms around the alpha carbon

Question 3

What is the oxidising agent used in the oxidisation of alcohols?

Answer 3

Acidified potassium dichromate - H+/K2Cr2O7

Question 4

Oxidisation of a primary alcohol

Answer 4

Alcohol —> aldehyde —> carboxylic acid

Question 5

Oxidisation of secondary alcohol

Answer 5

Alcohol —> ketone

Question 6

Oxidisation of a tertiary alcohol

Answer 6

No reaction

Question 7

What are carboxylic acids?

Answer 7

Weak acids of a pH of 3 to 6

Question 8

How do you test for carboxylic acids?

Answer 8

• add metal carbonate
• effervesce

Question 9

How do you make an ester?

Answer 9

Alcohol + carboxylic acid —> ester

Question 10

Primary alcohol

Answer 10

OH on carbon bonded to only one other carbon

Question 11

Secondary alcohol

Answer 11

OH on a carbon that’s bonded to two other carbons

Question 12

Tertiary alcohol

Answer 12

OH on a carbon bonded to 3 others

Question 13

Reflux

Answer 13

Liquid evaporates and its vapour is condensed

Question 14

Why is reflux necessary with ester formation?

Answer 14

Reaction is slow

Question 15

What is used for the oxidation of alcohols?

Answer 15

Acidified potassium dichromate

Question 16

Colour change when alcohol is oxidised

Answer 16

Orange to green

Question 17

Dehydrating agent

Answer 17

Conc sulfuric acid

Question 18

Alcohol to acid reagent and conditions

Answer 18

Reagent: acidified potassium dichromate
Conditions: heat