Chem

• 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 functional 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 is the general formula for alcohols?

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

  They are flammable, soluble, and can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids.
• What does it mean for alcohols to be flammable?

  It means they 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 the addition of oxygen.
• What is the functional group of carboxylic acids?

  The functional group is -COOH.
• How is ethanol used in a spirit burner?

  Ethanol is burned to release energy for heating.
• Why are alcohols used as solvents in industry?

  Because they can dissolve substances that water cannot, like hydrocarbons and lipids.
• What are the key properties and uses of alcohols?

  • Properties:
  • Flammable
  • Soluble in water (neutral pH)
  • Can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids
  • Uses:
  • Fuels for energy release
  • Solvents in industry for dissolving hydrocarbons and lipids
• formula of alcohol is CnH2n+1OH
• functional group of alcohol is -OH
• What functional group is present in alcohols?

  • OH group
• What happens when alcohols undergo complete combustion?

  They produce carbon dioxide and water.
• What can alcohols be oxidized to form?

  Different carboxylic acids.
• What is the process of making ethanol in alcoholic drinks?

  Fermentation of sugar using yeast.
• What are the conditions required for fermentation to occur?

  • Anaerobic conditions
  • Slightly acidic solution
  • Temperature around 37°C
• How does temperature affect the fermentation process?

  Higher temperatures can denature enzymes, slowing down fermentation.
• What is produced as a byproduct of fermentation?

  Carbon dioxide.
• What is the role of enzymes in the fermentation process?

  They convert sugar into ethanol.
• What are the first four alcohols used as solvents in industry?


  1. Methanol
  2. Ethanol
  3. Propanol
  4. Butanol
• What is the smell characteristic of ethanol when used as fuel in spirit burners?

  It is not smelly and burns clearly.
• What is the significance of the -OH group in alcohols?

  It defines the alcohol's properties and reactivity.
• How do alcohols interact with water?

  They can dissolve in water due to their polar -OH group.
• What is the general trend in the solubility of alcohols in water?

  Alcohols with shorter carbon chains are more soluble in water.
• What is the significance of the term "homologous series" in relation to alcohols?


  It refers to a group of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties.