Alcohols

• What are alcohols classified as in organic chemistry?

  Alcohols are a homologous series of organic compounds.
• How do alcohols differ from alkanes in terms of structure?

  Alcohols have an -OH functional group in place of one of the hydrogen atoms.
• How do you name alcohols in comparison to alkanes?

  Alcohols replace the final 'e' of the alkane name with 'ol'.
• What are the first four alcohols in the homologous series?

  Methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol.
• What is the general formula for alcohols?

  The general formula for alcohols is $C_nH_{2n+1}OH$.
• What happens to the properties of alcohols as the molecules get larger?

  The properties of alcohols change as we go along the series because the molecules get bigger.
• What are some common properties of the first four alcohols?

  They are flammable, soluble, and can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids.
• What does it mean for alcohols to be flammable?

  It means they can undergo complete combustion in air.
• Write the balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol.

  $C_2H_5OH +$$3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 +$$3H_2O$
• What does it mean for alcohols to be soluble?

  It means they can dissolve in water to form a solution.
• What is the pH of alcohol solutions?

  Alcohol solutions have a neutral pH.
• How are carboxylic acids formed from alcohols?

  By oxidizing an alcohol, such as ethanol, by adding oxygen.
• What is the functional group of carboxylic acids?

  The functional group of carboxylic acids is -COOH.
• What are the uses of alcohols as fuels?

  Alcohols can be burned to release energy.
• How is ethanol used in a school setting?

  Ethanol is used in spirit burners to release energy.
• Why are alcohols used as solvents in industry?

  Because they can dissolve substances that water cannot, like hydrocarbons and lipids.
• What are the main properties and uses of alcohols?

  • Properties:
  • Flammable
  • Soluble in water (neutral pH)
  • Can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids
  • Uses:
  • Fuels (release energy when burned)
  • Solvents in industry (dissolve hydrocarbons and lipids)