Chapter 14 Flashcards
What is the functional group of alcohols?
-OH, hydroxyl group
What is the suffix of alcohols?
-ol
What is the general formula of alcohols?
CnH2n+1OH or R-OH
When do positional isomers occur in alcohols?
In carbon chains of 3 or more
What is a polyhydric alcohol?
Alcohols that contain two or more -OH groups
What is the structure of phenol?
When an -OH group is attached directly to a benzene ring
What is an ether?
A structural isomer of alcohol
Are alcohols polar or non-polar?
Polar
Where are the partial charges on an alcohol molecule that cause it to be polar?
- Partial positive charge on the Carbon atom the -OH group is attached to.
- Partial negative charge on the Oxygen in the -OH group.
Why does the boiling point increase with chain length in alcohols?
Alcohols create hydrogen bonds with each other, so have higher boiling points than alkanes of similar Mr as more energy is needed to overcome the stronger intermolecular forces.
Define volatility?
A measure of the tendency of a substance to vaporise (the higher the boiling point the lower the volatility)
How does the volatility of alcohols compare to alkanes?
Alcohols are less volatile than alkanes of similar Mr.
What is the solubility of alcohols like?
They have -OH groups which can form hydrogen bonds with water. This makes the first three alcohols soluble in water but after that the long alkyl chain interferes with the Hydrogen bonds.
When are alcohols soluble in water?
The first three alcohols are soluble in water but after that the long alkyl chain interferes with the Hydrogen bonds.
What is ethanol and when is it used?
Ethanol is ‘alcohol’ in alcoholic drinks. Commonly used as a solvent in the form of methylated spirits.
What is methanol and when is it used?
Methanol is used as a petrol additive to improve combustion. Important feedstock in the production of organic chemicals.
What is ethane-1,2-diol and when is it used?
Used as antifreeze as it lowers the melting point of water from 0” to as low as -40” when mixed with water.
What are the 4 reactions alcohols can take place in?
- Combustion
- Oxidation
- Dehydration
- Substitution