Alcohols

Question 1

General formula of an alcohol

Answer 1

CnH2n+1OH

Question 2

Why are alcohols polar?

Answer 2

Alcohols have polar 0-H bonds because the oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen.

Question 3

Why do alcohols have high melting and boiling points?

Answer 3

Due to strong hydrogen bonds.

Question 4

Are alcohols soluble in water?

Answer 4

Alcohols can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This means alcohols with a short carbon chain length are soluble in water.

Question 5

When does the solubility of an alcohol decrease?

Answer 5

The solubility of an alcohol decreases as the carbon chain length increases.

Question 6

Primary alcohols

Answer 6

The -OH group is bonded to a carbon which is bonded to one carbon atom (methanol is the only exception with o carbon atoms being attached).

Question 7

Secondary alcohols

Answer 7

The -OH group is bonded to a carbon which is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Question 8

Tertiary alcohols

Answer 8

The -OH group is bonded to a carbon which is bonded to three other carbon atoms.