Chapter 11: Alcohols and Ethers

These flashcards cover the main topics and concepts related to Alcohols and Ethers as discussed in Chapter 11, assisting students in their exam preparation.

What are the key physical properties of alcohols and ethers discussed in Chapter 11?

The physical properties of alcohols and ethers include hydrogen bonding, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, boiling points, and solubility in water.

What are the methods for synthesizing alcohols?

1. Acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes 2. Oxymercuration – demercuration 3. Hydroboration – oxidation.

How can primary alcohols be converted into alkyl halides?

By using reagents such as PBr3, SOCl2, or HX (halogen acids) to convert the hydroxyl group into a better leaving group.

What are some examples of alcohols mentioned in the notes?

Examples include Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (C2H5OH), 2-Propanol (isopropanol), and Benzyl alcohol.

What is the general formula for a phenol?

The general formula for a phenol is Ar-OH, where Ar is an aryl group.

What is the Williamson Ether Synthesis?

A method for creating ethers via SN2 reactions where an alkoxide reacts with a primary alkyl halide.

In which contexts are tert-Butyl ethers used as protecting groups?

They are used to protect alcohol groups while reactions are carried out elsewhere in the molecule.

What is the key feature of the autoxidation mechanism of ethers?

The reaction involves the formation of hydroperoxide and peroxide derivatives.

What factors affect the acidity of alcohols?

Sterics control acidity via solvation, with the structure of the alcohol influencing its pKa value.

How do phenol alkyl ethers differ from regular ethers in their synthesis?

Aryl-alkyl ethers cannot form Ar-O bonds via SN2 due to steric hindrance, thus requiring reactive halides for bond formation.