Properties and Reactions of Alcohols

These flashcards cover key concepts, properties, and types of alcohols important for understanding their chemical behavior and applications.

Ethanol

A common alcohol obtained from the fermentation of grains, used as a solvent and fuel.

Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)

A toxic alcohol used as a solvent in paints, known as wood alcohol.

Isopropyl Alcohol (2-Propanol)

A three-carbon monohydroxy alcohol used as rubbing alcohol.

Glycerol

A triol with three hydroxyl groups, often used in skin lotions and soaps.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group (-OH) characteristic of alcohols that contributes to their properties.

Dehydration Reaction

A chemical reaction where water is removed, converting alcohols to alkenes.

Zaitsev’s Rule

In dehydration reactions, the more substituted alkene is the major product.

Primary Alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is only bonded to one other carbon atom.

Secondary Alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Tertiary Alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

Polyhydroxy Alcohols

Alcohols that contain two or more hydroxyl groups, typically more reactive than monohydroxy alcohols.

Boiling Point

Temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to gas; higher for alcohols due to hydrogen bonding.

Solubility in Water

Alcohols with three or fewer carbon atoms are generally soluble in water; solubility decreases with more carbon atoms.

Oxidation of Alcohols

The process of converting alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids.

Denatured Alcohol

Ethanol that has been mixed with toxic substances to prevent consumption.

Triol

A type of alcohol containing three hydroxyl groups.