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Hydrocarbon Derivatives
Alcohols and Ethers
A/ Alcohols
General Formula : R—OH (containing at least one hydroxyl functional group);
Naming Alcohols : two commonly used methods are possible:
1)
Identify the longest hydrocarbon chain as the parent or root. The hydroxyl group (--OH) is
denoted by an “-ol” suffix at the end of the parent chain name;
2) Use a number between the parent chain and the “-ol” suffix to denote the carbon in the parent
chain to which the hydroxyl group is bonded.
If there are multiple hydroxyl groups, they are denoted by using the appropriate prefix (di-, tri-, etc.) in
front of either the “-ol” suffix..
Classifying Alcohols – important for predicting the type of reaction/reaction products involving alcohols
as a reactant.
Primary (10) Alcohol – the carbon to which the hydroxyl group is attached is bonded to only one other C
atom;
Secondary (20) Alcohol – the carbon to which the hydroxyl group is attached is bonded to two other C
atoms;
Tertiary (30) Alcohol – the carbon to which the hydroxyl group is attached is bonded to three C atoms.
Properties of Alcohols
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The presence of –OH groups increases H bonding, resulting in higher m.p and b.p. for alcohols,
compared to hydrocarbons with similar hydrocarbon chain lengths/molar masses;
Smaller alcohol molecules (ex. methanol, ethanol, propanol) are quite soluble in H2O, but as the
hydrocarbon chain length of the alcohol increases, London forces between the alcohol molecules
themselves reduces aqueous solubility;
Alcohols are extremely flammable and combustible.
Reactions of Alcohols
1)
Alkenes  Alcohols through Hydration (type of Addition Reaction)
2)
Alcohols  Alkenes through Dehydration (type of Elimination Reaction)
3)
10 Alcohols  Aldehydes and 20 Alcohols  Ketones (through controlled Oxidation)
Ethers
General Formula : R—O—R
Naming Ethers : the larger of the two hydrocarbon chains is considered the parent chain (its name at the
end). The smaller hydrocarbon chain has its name at the front with the ending changed to “-oxy” to
denote the presence of the oxygen atom. A number is used to indicate which carbon on the parent chain
the ether group is bonded.
Properties of Ethers
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The O atom creates a polar region while the hydrocarbon chains create areas displaying nonpolar
properties. This makes ethers good solvents in mixtures containing both polar and nonpolar
substances.
Ethers are flammable and combustible.
Reactions Involving Ethers
Alcohol + Alcohol  Ether through Dehydration (a condensation reaction)