alcohols Flashcards
what is the general formula for an alcohol
CnH2n+1OH
what is the functional group of an alcohol
hydroxyl OH
describe the structure of a primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol
has one alkyl group attached to carbon
has two alkyls group attached to central carbon
has three alkyl groups attached to carbon
why are alcohols soluble
O-H bond is polar therefore electrons are attracted to the electronegative oxygen in covalent bond
why cant longer chain alcohols dissolve in water
carbon chain is non polar so reduces the interaction water can make with the alcohol
how do alcohols interact with eachother
hydrogen bonds
how are haloalkanes made from alcohols and what reagants and conditions are needed
substitution reaction, acid catalyst
how are alkenes made from alcohols and what reagants and conditions are needed
dehydration, elimination of water acid catalyst
what reagant is used to oxidise alcohols and what colour change would be observed
potassium dichromate
orange to green
when primary alcohols what is formed
aldehydes then carboxylic acids
what forms when secondary alcohols are oxidised
ketones
what forms when tertiary alcohols are oxidised
nothing, cannot be oxidised
how do you remove an aldehyde from the oxidising agent
distillation
how do you make a carboxylic acid from an aldehyde
reflux, excess oxidising agent
