4.2.1 - Alcohols

• What functional group is present in alcohols?

  OH functional group
• Why are alcohols soluble in water?

  Due to hydrogen bonding from the OH group
• How does the volatility of alcohols compare to alkanes?

  Alcohols have lower volatility than alkanes
• What functional group is found in aldehydes?

  -CHO functional group
• How are aldehydes formed from primary alcohols?

  By oxidation using Cr₂O₇²⁻/H⁺ and distillation
• What is the defining feature of alkenes?

  C=C double bond
• How can alkenes be formed from alcohols?

  By elimination of H₂O using acid catalyst and heat
• What functional group characterizes carboxylic acids?

  -COOH functional group
• How are carboxylic acids formed from primary alcohols?

  By oxidation using Cr₂O₇²⁻/H⁺ and reflux
• What is combustion?

  Rapid exothermic reaction with oxygen
• What is an elimination reaction?

  Removal of 2 atoms/groups from a molecule
• What defines haloalkanes?

  Halogen atom bound to an alkyl chain
• How can haloalkanes be formed from alcohols?

  Via substitution with halide ions in acid
• What functional group is found in ketones?

  C=O functional group
• How are ketones formed?

  By oxidation of secondary alcohols
• What is oxidation in chemical terms?

  Loss of electrons or increase in oxidation number
• How can alcohols be oxidized?

  Using Cr₂O₇²⁻/H⁺
• What is an oxidising agent?

  Substance that oxidizes another while being reduced
• What is a polar bond?

  Covalent bond with unequal electron sharing
• What characterizes a primary alcohol?

  OH attached to a primary carbon atom
• What can primary alcohols be oxidized to form?

  Aldehyde or carboxylic acid, depending on conditions
• What characterizes a secondary alcohol?

  OH attached to a secondary carbon atom
• How can secondary alcohols be oxidized?

  Under reflux with Cr₂O₇²⁻/H⁺ to form a ketone
• What characterizes a tertiary alcohol?

  OH attached to a tertiary carbon atom
• Can tertiary alcohols be oxidized?

  No, they cannot be oxidized