Alcohols and Phenols Flashcards
What does fermentation of carbohydrates entail?
The slow decomposition of large organic molecules into simpler ones under the influence of catalytic enzymes.
What is the optimum temperature for most enzymes?
25 - 30 degrees
Enzyme activity is increased in the presence of …………….?
Coenymes
What kind of acids are alcohols?
weak acids. Their acidic strength is even less than water.
The acidic nature of alcohols is due to….?
Alcohols are polar due to the polarity of the O-H bond. Oxygen being more electronegative attracts the shared pair of electrons of the O-H bond towards itself and weakens the bond, facilitating the release of hydrogen.
Why is the O-H bond in alcohols less compared to that of water?
This is because alkyl groups are electron repelling groups and repel the electrons such that the electron density around oxygen increases and its tendency to attract electrons decreases.
What is the reactivity order of alcohols?
1 > 2 > 3
In the esterification involving alcohols H2SO4 has two functions, what are they?
It is a
- dehydrating agent
- protonating agent
Order of reactivity of alcohols w.r.t. to cleavage of C-OH
3 > 2 > 1
What does the oxidation of alcohols involve in terms of cleavage?
- It involves the cleavage of C-H and O-H bond.
What are the limitations of Williamson’s synthesis?
It is not applicable to tertiary alkyl halides.
Describe the physical state of ethers?
- Gaseous at normal temperatures
- Colourless
- Pleasant characteristic ethereal odour
How do you detect the presence of peroxides?
Shake the mixture with a solution of ferrous salt and add KCNS. This rxn should give a red coloured solution due to the formation of ferric thiocyanate.
Since peroxides are highly explosive, what should be done to purify it?
The ether should be washed by ferrous saltor by distillation with conc. H2SO4.
What does the oxidation of alcohols involve in terms of cleavage?
- It involves the cleavage of C-H and O-H bond.
