Chapter 14 - Alcohols Flashcards
Properties of alcohols, Reaction of alcohols.
What is the functional group of alcohols?
-OH
Why do alcohols, with few carbon atoms, have much higher boiling points than alkanes, with more carbon atoms?
Alcohols can form strong hydrogen bonds between the O and the neighbouring hydrogen atoms in a molecule, therefore; require more energy to break.
How do alcohols and alkanes compare in volatility if they have the same number of carbon atoms?
alcohol will be less volatile.
Why are alcohols soluble in water?
The polar OH bond forms hydrogen bonds with the water molecules.
As hydrocarbon chain increases, how does solubility of alcohols change?
It decreases as the OH group’s influence becomes relatively small and solubility shifts to that of alkanes.
What is a primary alcohol?
The OH group is attached to a carbon atom that is attached to two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group.
What kind of alcohol is methanol?
Although misleading it is a primary alcohol.
Describe what are secondary and tertiary alcohols?
Secondary: OH attached to carbon attached to two alkyl groups
Tertiary: OH attached to carbon attached to three alkyl groups
The combustion of alcohols has what products?
Carbon dioxide and water
What is used to oxidise alcohols?
Potassium dichromate
What are the two forms of chromium in oxidation reactions?
Dichromate(VI) ions that are orange
Chromium(III) ions that are green
Which two products can be formed from the oxidation of primary alcohols?
Aldehydes or carboxylic acids
How are aldehydes prepared from the oxidation of primary alcohols?
Gentle heating of primary alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate.
What measure is taken to ensure no carboxylic acid is made?
Aldehyde is distilled out of the mixture as it forms to prevent any further reaction.
How are carboxylic acids prepared from the oxidation of primary alcohols?
Primary alcohol is heated strongly under reflux with an excess of acidified potassium dichromate.
