Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers & Thiols

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols, reflecting definitions, properties, and reactions as discussed in the lecture.

What is the general formula for an alcohol?

R—OH, where an —OH group is attached to an aliphatic carbon atom.

Define Phenol.

A compound in which an —OH group is connected to a benzene ring.

What is the formula for a thiol?

R-SH, which contains a sulfhydryl group.

What is methanol commonly known as?

Methyl alcohol or wood alcohol.

Describe the properties of alcohols that affect their solubility.

Alcohols have a polar —OH group allowing them to dissolve in water, with larger alcohols becoming less soluble.

What is the boiling point trend of alcohols compared to alkanes?

Alcohols have higher boiling points than alkanes of similar molecular weights due to hydrogen bonding.

What type of reactions do alcohols typically undergo?

Alcohols undergo dehydration reactions, oxidation reactions, and elimination reactions.

What are the outcomes of oxidizing a primary alcohol?

Oxidation of a primary alcohol produces an aldehyde and further oxidation can produce a carboxylic acid.

What do ethers lack compared to alcohols?

Ethers lack the ability to form hydrogen bonds between ether molecules in a pure state.

What is a notable characteristic of thiols?

They have a strong and offensive odor, often described as similar to rotting eggs.

What reaction do thiols undergo to form disulfide bonds?

Oxidation reactions, converting two thiols into a disulfide link (R-S-S-R).

What's the significance of temperature in dehydration reactions of alcohols?

The reaction typically requires heat along with an acid catalyst to proceed.

What is the impact of the —SH group in biological systems?

—SH groups in enzymes are crucial for function and can be detrimental when exposed to heavy metals.