Alcohols
– contain Hydroxyl group (OH) – suffix ol or hydroxy if a higher priority group is present- Diols contain two hydroxyl groups. * Geminal: 2 Hydroxyl groups on the same carbon* Vicinal: on adjacent carbons
Alcohols are a broad group of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) group which is attached to a carbon atom. They can be classified based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the hydroxyl group. For instance, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, and so the list goes.
Alcohols can be prepared through various methods. One common method is the hydration of alkenes. In this process, alkenes are reacted with water in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid.
Alcohols have a wide range of applications and are used extensively in the chemical industry. Methanol is commonly used as a solvent in the production of formaldehyde and other chemicals. Ethanol is used as a fuel, solvent, and an antiseptic. Higher alcohols such as propanol and butanol are used as solvents, fuel additives, and in the production of plastics.
One key property of alcohols is their ability to undergo oxidation. Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes and further to carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones. Tertiary alcohols, however, cannot be easily oxidized. This property of alcohols is useful in the laboratory for the identification and synthesis of various organic compounds.
In conclusion, alcohols are an important group of organic compounds with a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. They can be prepared using various methods and exhibit interesting chemical and physical properties.
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