MODULE 4: Alcohols

Question 1

What are the physical properties of alcohols?

Answer 1

Polar due to hydroxyl group, increased melting and boiling point due to hydrogen bonding, low volatility, soluble in water

Question 2

What are the different types of alcohol?

Answer 2

Primary, secondary and tertiary

Question 3

What is a primary alcohol?

Answer 3

Carbon with hydroxyl group is directly attached to one other carbon

Question 4

What is a secondary alcohol?

Answer 4

Carbon with hydroxyl group is directly attached to two other carbons

Question 5

What is a tertiary alcohol?

Answer 5

Carbon with hydroxyl group is directly attached to three other carbons

Question 6

What can primary alcohols be oxidised into (including reagents and conditions)?

Answer 6

Aldehyde (oxidiser, distilation)
Carboxylic acid (excess oxidiser, reflux)

Question 7

What can secondary alcohols be oxidised into (including reagents and conditions)?

Answer 7

Ketone (oxidiser, reflux)

Question 8

What can tertiary alcohols be oxidised into?

Answer 8

Cannot be oxidised

Question 9

In oxidation of alcohols, what compound is used as the oxidiser?

Answer 9

Acidified potassium dichromate

Question 10

What colour do dichromate ions turn when oxidised?

Answer 10

Orange to green

Question 11

Describe substitution reactions in alcohols

Answer 11

Alcohols can react with halogen halides to form haloalkanes (with sulfuric acid, sodium halide under reflux)