C10.3 reactions and uses of alcohols

• What should you be able to identify regarding alcohols?

  The products of reactions of alcohols
• What type of equations do you need to write for alcohols?

  Balanced equations for combustion reactions
• What are some uses of alcohols like methanol, ethanol, and propanol?

  • Solvents in perfumes
  • Solvents in mouthwashes
• What is the main alcohol found in wine and beer?

  Ethanol
• How is ethanol produced?

  By fermentation of sugars by yeast
• What is ethanol termed when produced by fermentation?

  A biofuel
• Why do many perfumes contain ethanol?

  Because it dissolves many organic substances
• What do alcohols produce when burnt completely?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• How are alcohols used as fuels?

  They can be mixed with petrol
• Write the balanced equation for the combustion of ethanol.

  $C_2H_5OH +$$3O_2 → 2CO_2 +$$3H_2O$
• What gas is produced when sodium reacts with alcohols?

  Hydrogen gas
• How does the reaction of sodium with alcohols compare to sodium with water?

  It is less vigorous than with water
• What can oxidise alcohols to produce carboxylic acids?

  Chemical oxidising agents like potassium dichromate
• What can some microbes in the air do to ethanol?

  Oxidise it to produce ethanoic acid
• What effect does ethanoic acid have on alcoholic drinks?

  It turns them sour
• Suggest a chemical test to distinguish ethanol from water.

  Use a test for alcohols, like Lucas test