Alcohols

what is the Alcohol functional group?

-OH

what is an isomer?

Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formula

What is a homologous series?

1. a series of compounds with similar chemical properties because they have the same functional group

2. Each member differs by CH2

why can alcohols be used as biofuels?

Because they are made from biological resources, such as sugar cane

Are alcohols renewable sources of energy?

Yes

What causes microbial oxidisation?

• Bacteria or yeast in wine can cause it to become oxidised if left open to the air.

• This causes the wine to sour

• The sour taste comes from the fact that ethanol is turned into ethanoic acid

Where does the sour taste come from in oxidised wine?

From ethanol being turned into ethanoic acid.

Whar is potassium diachromate(VI)?

A strong oxidising agent

What conditions are needed for oxidisation using potassium diachromate(VI)?

1. Heat

2. Dilute sulphuric acid

Describe the colour change of the potassium diachromate(VI)

orange to green

What are the 3 ways to oxidise alcohols?

1. combustion

2. Microbial oxidisation

3. Using potassium diachromate(VI)

what is a functional group?

A group of atoms bonded in a specific arrangement that influences the properties of the homologous series