Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, classification, preparation methods, and chemical tests for Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers based on lecture notes.

Phenols

Aromatic hydroxyl compounds in which one or more hydroxyl groups ($-OH$) are directly attached to the aromatic nucleus (i.e., Benzene ring).

Catechol

A dihydric phenol with the IUPAC name $Benzene-1,2-diol$.

Resorcinol

A dihydric phenol with the IUPAC name $Benzene-1,3-diol$.

Hydroquinone (Quinol)

A dihydric phenol with the IUPAC name $Benzene-1,4-diol$.

Pyrogallol

A trihydric phenol with the chemical name $Benzene-1,2,3-triol$.

Phloroglucinol

A trihydric phenol with the chemical name $Benzene-1,3,5-triol$.

Dow's Process

A method to prepare phenol from chlorobenzene (Phenyl Chloride) using $2NaOH$ at $613\,K$ and $300\,atm$ pressure.

Cumene

Also known as isopropyl benzene or sec-propyl benzene, used as the starting material in a commercial process to produce phenol and acetone.

Continuous Etherification Process

The reaction where a primary alcohol in the presence of conc. $H_2SO_4$ at $413\,K$ forms an ether instead of an alkene.

PCC and PDC

Pyridinium chlorochromate and Pyridinium dichromate; mild oxidising agents used to convert primary alcohols specifically into aldehydes.

Lucas Reagent Test (3° Alcohol)

Produces an immediate appearance of turbidity.

Lucas Reagent Test (2° Alcohol)

Produces turbidity within $5\,\text{min}$.

Lucas Reagent Test (1° Alcohol)

Does not produce turbidity at room temperature.

Acidity order of alcohols

The relative acidity order is $1^{\circ} > 2^{\circ} > 3^{\circ}$.

Methanol

Historically known as "wood spirit," produced by the destructive distillation of wood; it is a colourless, highly poisonous liquid that boils at $337\,K$.

Hydroboration-oxidation

A reaction using diborane ($B_2H_6$) that follows Anti-Markovnikov's rule to produce a primary alcohol from an alkene with excellent yield.

Allylic alcohols

Alcohols where the hydroxyl group is attached to a $sp^3$ hybridized carbon atom adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond ($C=C$).

Benzylic alcohols

Alcohols where the $-OH$ group is attached to a $sp^3$ hybridized carbon atom next to an aromatic ring.

Vinylic alcohols

Alcohols where the $-OH$ group is attached to a $sp^2$ hybridized carbon atom (vinylic carbon).

Phenoxide ion stability

Phenoxide ions are more stable than alkoxide ions due to resonance, making phenols more acidic than alcohols.