Alcohols

• What are alcohols classified as in organic chemistry?

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

  Alcohols have an -OH group in place of one of the hydrogen atoms.
• How do you name alcohols based on their alkane counterparts?

  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 happens to the properties of alcohols as the molecules get larger?

  The properties of alcohols change as we go along the series.
• What is the general formula for alcohols?

  The general formula is $C_nH_{2n+1}OH$.
• What are three common properties of the first four alcohols?

  They are flammable, soluble, and can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids.
• What does the flammability of alcohols indicate?

  Alcohols 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 with oxygen.
• What is the functional group of carboxylic acids?

  The functional group is -COOH.
• What are two main uses of alcohols?

  As fuels and as solvents in industry.
• Why might alcohols be preferred over water as solvents in industry?

  Because alcohols can dissolve substances that water cannot, like hydrocarbons.
• Why are alcohols used as fuels?

  Because they are flammable and release energy when burned.
• What is an example of an alcohol used in a spirit burner?

  Ethanol is commonly used in spirit burners.
• What are the properties of the first four alcohols?

  • Flammable
  • Soluble in water
  • Can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids
• What are the uses of alcohols in industry?

  • As fuels for energy release
  • As solvents for dissolving substances that water cannot