alcohols
OH (names using suffix “-ol”), polar molecules, toxic
Alcohols are a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a carbon atom. They are characterized by their ability to form hydrogen bonds with each other and with water molecules, which makes them soluble in water and other polar solvents. Alcohols can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary, based on the number of alkyl groups that are attached to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group.
Alcohols have a wide range of applications, including as solvents, fuels, and in the production of materials such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In addition, they are also used in alcoholic beverages, which can have harmful effects on the body if consumed in excess.
The physical and chemical properties of alcohols are determined by the size and shape of the alkyl groups attached to the hydroxyl group, as well as the number and strength of the hydrogen bonds that can form between molecules. For example, smaller alcohols such as methanol and ethanol are highly soluble in water and have low boiling points, while larger alcohols such as butanol and pentanol have lower solubility and higher boiling points due to their larger size and more complex structures.
In terms of chemical reactivity, alcohols can undergo various reactions such as oxidation, dehydration, and esterification. Oxidation of primary alcohols can lead to the formation of aldehydes and carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones. Dehydration of alcohols can result in the formation of alkenes, while esterification reactions can produce esters, which also have a range of applications in industry and everyday life.
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