alcohols

• • the first four alcohols are:
  • methanol
  • ethanol
  • propanol
  • butanol
• • alcohols are flammable
  • they completely combust
  • alcohol + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water
• • methanol, ethanol and propanol are soluble in water
  • they have neutral PH
• • alcohols react with sodium and produce hydrogen
• • alcohols can be oxidised to produce a carboxylic acid
• • alcohols are used as solvents
  • they can dissolve substances water cannot dissolve e.g oils and fats
  • alcohols are used as fuels
  • ethanol is used as a fuel
  • it burns cleanly
  • produces no smell
• • ethanol can be produced by fermentation
  • enzymes in yeast convert sugars to ethanol
  • carbon dioxide produced
  • fermentation happens at 37 degrees, in acidic solution and under anaerobic conditions