Introduction

• The general formula of alcohols is Cn H2n+1 OH.
• The functional group in alcohols is the polar hydroxy group (O-H).
• A secondary alcohol has 2 alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that is attached to the OH group.
• A primary alcohol has 1 alkyl group attached to the carbon atom that is attached to the OH group.
• A tertiary alcohol has 3 alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that is attached to the OH group.
• Structural isomerism occurs in alcohols when 3 carbon atoms are reached.
• In alcohols, the longest chain must contain the OH group.
• The hydroxy (OH) group is polar due to the electronegativity difference between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
• The polarity of the hydroxy group leads to a permanent dipole and so hydrogen bonding occurs between alcohol molecules.