Alcohols Flashcards
What are the alcohols functional group and what is the general formula for an alcohol?
The functional group is -OH. The general formula is CnH2n+2OH e.g. C2H5OH.
What are the names of the first three alcohols?
1) methanol
2) ethanol
3) propanol
What properties do the first three alcohols have in common?
1) flammable - burn in air to produce carbon dioxide and water
2) dissolve completely in water to form neutral solutions
3) react with sodium to give hydrogen and alkoxides
What is a use of ethanol and why isn’t methanol used?
Ethanol is the main alcohol in alcohol in drinks and causes brain and liver damage. Methanol isn’t used as it causes blindness if drunk.
Why are alcohols used as solvents?
They are used in solvents in industry as they dissolve more compounds than water can dissolve e.g. hydrocarbons, oils and fats.
Why are alcohols used as fuels?
Ethanol burns cleanly and doesn’t smell, ethanol can be used in fuel for cars (less pollution), alcohols are also renewable unlike crude oil products such as petrol.
