Functional Group Test for Alcohols Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering terms, reagents, reaction conditions, and positive indicators for functional group tests of alcohols from Activity 11.

Hydroxyl group ($\text{--OH}$)

The characteristic functional group present in alcohols.

Primary alcohol ($1^\circ$)

An alcohol in which the carbon attached to the hydroxyl group ($\text{--OH}$) is linked to one other carbon.

Secondary alcohol ($2^\circ$)

An alcohol in which the carbon attached to the hydroxyl group ($\text{--OH}$) is linked to two other carbons.

Tertiary alcohol ($3^\circ$)

An alcohol in which the carbon attached to the hydroxyl group ($\text{--OH}$) is linked to three other carbons.

Lucas test

A functional group test used to distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.

Lucas reagent

A mixture of $\text{ZnCl}_2$ and concentrated $\text{HCl}$ where $\text{ZnCl}_2$ coordinates with the hydroxyl group to produce a better leaving group, forming an insoluble alkyl chloride.

Lucas test positive result

The formation of a cloudy suspension, emulsion, or distinct second layer.

Lucas test reaction time for tertiary ($3^\circ$) alcohols

The reaction occurs immediately.

Lucas test reaction time for secondary ($2^\circ$) alcohols

The reaction takes about 2--3 minutes.

Lucas test reaction time for primary ($1^\circ$) alcohols

No visible reaction occurs over about 10--15 minutes under the stated conditions.

Jones test

A test used to determine the oxidation of alcohols using chromium trioxide in acidic aqueous acetone.

Original Jones reagent

An orange-red or deep orange-red solution.

Jones test positive result

The appearance of green $\text{Cr}^{3+}$ ion, indicating oxidation of primary or secondary alcohols.

Iodoform test

A test in which methyl ketones and certain secondary alcohols with an appropriate adjacent group are oxidized to methyl ketones and give a positive result.

Iodoform test positive result

The formation of a solid yellow precipitate of iodoform ($\text{CHI}_3$).

2-Propanol

A secondary alcohol that gives a positive result in the iodoform test.

1-Propanol

A primary alcohol used as one of the important test solutions.

2-Methyl-2-propanol

A tertiary alcohol used as one of the important test solutions.

Acetone

A methyl ketone that serves as a positive reference or standard for the iodoform test.

Ethanol

An alcohol that can give a positive result in the iodoform test.