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Chemistry 30
Organic Chemistry
NOTES
V. Hydrocarbon Derivatives
3. Alcohols
a) Alcohols are compounds that have an OH (hydroxyl) group. Organic alcohols
are non-ionic and do not produce OH- ions
in aqueous solution. To name, number
closest to the OH and give the ending –ol.
Occasionally the OH is considered a
branch called hydroxyl.
Examples:
i. propan-1-ol
ii. Propan-2-ol
iii. 2-methylpropan-1-ol
iv. 2-methylcyclohexanol
v. ethan-1,2-diol
vi. 3-chloropropan-1-ol
b) Alcohols may be subdivided into three
classes based on the number of carbon
atoms attached to the carbon with the
hydroxyl group.
c. Properties of Alcohols

The presence of OH causes polarity and Hbonding. Therefore, the m.p. and b.p. are much
higher, for example:
methane b.p. = -16.2oC
chloromethane b.p. = 23.7oC
methanol
b. p. = 65oC

Alcohols are more soluble in water. However,
as the hydrocarbon chains get longer, the
polarity decreases so the solubility in water also
decreases (i.e. methanol is completely soluble in
water but octanol is barely soluble in water).
There are 3 main types of reactions to consider:
1) Combustion
2) Elimination
3) Esterfication (later in notes)

Elimination: alcohol becomes an alkene and water
(water is eliminated)
d. Uses of Alcohols
i. Methanol (wood alcohol) - used to be
obtained from the distillation of wood. Now it
is made from:
CO(g) + 2H2(g)  CH3OH(l)

It is used as a starting material for the
production of acetic acid and many types of
adhesives, fibers, and plastics. It is used in
antifreeze and as duplicating fluid. It can
also be used as a motor fuel. It is highly
toxic to humans and can lead to blindness
and death.
ii. Ethanol (grain alcohol) - is the essential
ingredient for alcoholic beverages, and is
used in industry in its denatured state.

Beverage – produced by yeast fermentation
(beer 5.5%, wine 13%) before the yeast is
killed by the alcohol. This reaction:
Industry: motor fuel (gasohol), solvent,
production of acetic acid. This reaction:
Remainder of the Class

Work on your
workbooklet pages 21,
page 24 and page 25
questions 2.a-f

Finish up any unfinished work!