C3.6 Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids and Esters Flashcards
(43 cards)
What are alcohols?
A group of compounds that all contain an -OH group
What is the -OH group in alcohols an example of?
A functional group
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the chemical properties of a compound
The alcohols are an example of a homologous series, what is a homologous series?
A group of chemicals that react in a similar way because they have the same functional group
What is the general formula for an alcohol?
CₙH₂ₙ₊₁ –> n = the number of carbons
What rule is applied to the name of alcohols?
They all end in ‘-ol’
What are the first 3 alcohols in the homologous series ?
Methanol, ethanol and propanol
Do alcohols contain double bonds?
No
How can you identify if a compound is an alcohol? (2)
Look for the ‘-OH’ group or see if it’s name ends in ‘-ol’
Are alcohols flammable?
Yes, they burn in air to produce carbon dioxide and water
Do the first three alcohols dissolve in water?
Yes, they all dissolve completely to form neutral solutions
How do alcohols react with sodium?
They react to give hydrogen and alkoxides
What are the three main uses of alcohols?
Alcoholic drinks, solvents, and fuel
What is the most commonly used alcohol in alcoholic drinks?
Ethanol, when consumed it causes damage to the liver and brain
What solvents are alcohols used in?
Ethanol is used in perfumes and after shave lotions, and ethanol is used to make methylated spirit which cleans paint brushes
Why is methylated spirit dyed a purply-blue colour?
Because it is poisonous to drink
What are the benefits of using ethanol as a fuel? (4)
It burns fairly cleanly, it’s non-smelly, it comes from a renewable source, and third world countries can grow loads of sugar cane which is fermented to make ethanol
What are carboxylic acids functional group?
-COOH
How is a carboxylic acid bonded to the functional group?
A double bond connects the carbon with a lone oxygen, and a single bond connects the carbon with the oxygen + hydrogen
What is rule which applies to the name of carboxylic acids?
They all end in ‘-anoic acid’
What are the first 3 carboxylic acids?
Methanoic acid, ethanoic acid, and porpanoic acid
How can you tell if a compound is a carboxylic acid? (2)
If its name ends in ‘-anoic acid’ or if it contains the functional group ‘-COOH’
What is produced when you react a carboxylic acid with a carbonate? (3)
Carbon dioxide, water and a salt ending in ‘-anoate’
Why is it when acids dissolve in water, an acidic solution is made?
Because the acids ionise and release H+ ions which are what make the solution acidic
