4.2.1

Created by: Lara_Bryce
Created on: 07-01-18 12:16

Explain the polarity of alcohols.

Alcohols have a polar O-H bond, so alcohol molecules are polar; alcohols can form hydrogen bonds between the polar O-H groups; alcohols have a low volatility as hydrogen bonds are very strong; alcohols are very water soluble becauseofthehydrogenbond.

1 of 6

Can you classify alcohols?

Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols; classification depends on the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that contains the alcohol functional group.

2 of 6

Explain the combustion of alcohols.

Alcohols burn completely in a plentiful supply of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water; the reaction is exothermic.

3 of 6

Explain the oxidation of alcohols.

Primary and secondary alcohols can be oxidised by an oxidising agent, ie K2Cr2O7, the solution changes from yellow to green when the alcohol is oxidised; primary = aldehyde or carboxylic acid; secondary = ketone; tertiary = no reaction.

4 of 6

Explain the dehydration of alcohols.

This is any reaction where water molecule is removed from the starting material; an alcohol is heated under reflux with an acid catalyst, H2SO4 or H3PO4; the product is an alkene.

5 of 6

Explain the substitution reactions of alcohols.

Alcohols react with hydrogen halides to form haloalkanes; the alcohol is heated under reflux with sulphuric acid and a sodium halide, the hydrogen bromides formed in situ (in place).

6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Can you classify alcohols?

Back

Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols; classification depends on the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that contains the alcohol functional group.

Card 3

Front

Explain the combustion of alcohols.

Back

Card 4

Front

Explain the oxidation of alcohols.

Back

Card 5

Front

Explain the dehydration of alcohols.

Back

View more cards

Similar Chemistry resources:

See all Chemistry resources »

See all Alcohols resources »

Get Revising

4.2.1