15.1 - Intro to Alcohols

Question 1

Polar bonds within alcohols and why?

Answer 1

The bond between oxygen and hydrogen in the hydroxyl group of alcohols is polar.
oxygen being more electronegative than hydrogen, leading to an unequal sharing of electrons

hydrogen atom acquires a partial positive charge (δ+), while the oxygen atom gains a partial negative charge (δ-).

The partially positive hydrogen atom (δ+) can form hydrogen bonds with lone pairs on oxygen atoms in other molecules, including water molecules or other alcohol molecules (as shown above).

Question 2

Classification of alcohols

Answer 2

Primary alcohols- The -OH group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one alkyl group (or no alkyl groups).
Secondary alcohols- The -OH group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two alkyl groups.
Tertiary alcohols- The -OH group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three alkyl groups.

Question 3

What are alcohols?

Answer 3

Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group bonded to a carbon atom.

Question 4

General formula of an alcohol

Answer 4

CnH2n+1OH

Where ‘n’ represents the number of carbon atoms.