GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Reactions of Alcohols

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Organic chemistry Reactions of alkenes and alcohols

Reactions of Alcohols

10:35 Alcohols: Structure, Formula, and Reactions
Spec 4.7.2.3
Previous Alcohol Names & Formulae Next Fermentation
  • Alcohols are a homologous series and undergo similar chemical reactions.
  • Alcohols consist of a carbon chain bonded to hydrogens and contain an OH functional group.
  • The OH group causes alcohols to react similarly.
  • For exams, focus on the properties of methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol.
  • Alcohols burn easily in air, undergoing complete combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water.
  • Camping stoves use alcohol burners for heat.
  • General combustion reaction: alcohol + oxygen ��� carbon dioxide + water.
  • Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide or soot.
  • Methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol undergo complete combustion.
  • Methanol combustion: 2 CH3OH + 3 O2 ��� 2 CO2 + 4 H2O.
  • Ethanol combustion: C2H5OH + 3 O2 ��� 2 CO2 + 3 H2O.
  • Propanol combustion: 2 C3H7OH + 9 O2 ��� 6 CO2 + 8 H2O.
  • Butanol combustion: C4H9OH + 6 O2 ��� 4 CO2 + 5 H2O.
  • Alcohols react with sodium to produce hydrogen gas.
  • Example: Methanol + sodium ��� sodium methoxide + hydrogen.
  • Alcohols can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids using an oxidizing agent.
  • Example: Ethanol + oxidizing agent ��� ethanoic acid + water.
  • Alcohols are relatively soluble in water, especially short-chain alcohols.
  • Methanol is the most soluble, and butanol is the least soluble among the four alcohols.
  • Alcohol-water solutions have a neutral pH.
  • The OH group in alcohols does not behave like hydroxide ions in alkalis.
  • Alcohol OH groups remain attached when dissolved, unlike OH ions in alkalis.

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