Chapter 14 Alcohols

Question 1

What is an alcohol

Answer 1

Alcohols contain the –OH hydroxyl functional group

Question 2

What is the general formula of an alcohol

Answer 2

C_nH_2n+1OH

Question 3

Is an OH group attached to a benzene ring an alcohol

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What is polyhydric alcohol

Answer 4

Contains more than one OH group

Question 5

How do volatility and boiling point vary between alkanes and alcohols

Answer 5

Alcohols have a higher boiling point than alkanes with the same number of C atoms. They are also less volatile (form a gas less easily)

Question 6

Compare the physical properties of Alkanes Vs Alcohols

Answer 6

Alkanes:
* non-polar molecules
* only have weak London forces between molecules
* don’t require as much energy to overcome

Alcohols
* polar molecules (contain polar O-H bond)
* can form stronger hydrogen bonds between molecules
* require more energy to overcome

Question 7

Why are Alcohols more soluble in water than alkanes

Answer 7

The –OH group in alcohols can form hydrogen bonds
with water

Question 8

Why does Alcohol solubility decrease as the hydrocarbon chain length increases

Answer 8

• The –OH group in alcohols can form hydrogen bonds with water.
• However, the non-polar hydrocarbon chain cannot form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 9

Why does viscosity increase as the number of OH groups increases

Answer 9

more hydrogen bonds can form which require more energy to overcome