Inorganic and Organic Chemistry: Alcohols, Phenols, Thiols, and Ethers

A set of flashcards covering the IUPAC naming, classification, physical properties, and chemical reactions of alcohols, phenols, thiols, and ethers as presented in the SEMESTER TOPIC OUTLINE 01 Chem111 lecture.

What is the definition of an alcohol?

Alcohols are organic compounds in which a hydroxyl group ($-OH$) is bonded to a saturated carbon atom.

What is the general formula for simple alcohols?

$$C_nH_{2n+1}OH$$

According to IUPAC naming, how is the ending of an alkane modified to name an alcohol?

The ending "-e" is replaced with "-ol."

How is a Primary ($1^ ext{o}$) alcohol classified?

It has the $-OH$ group attached to a carbon connected to only one other carbon atom.

What is clinical term for wood alcohol, and what is its molecular formula?

Methanol; $CH_3OH$

What toxic substances is methanol converted into within the body?

Formaldehyde and formic acid.

By what process is ethanol produced for alcoholic beverages?

The fermentation of sugars by yeast.

What compound is ethanol broken down into in the body that is associated with hangover symptoms?

Acetaldehyde

What is the chemical name and specific percentage solution of rubbing alcohol commonly used as a disinfectant?

Isopropyl Alcohol ($2 ext{-propanol}$); $70\%$ solution.

What is the definition of a Triol?

A compound with three hydroxyl groups.

Which diol is considered relatively nontoxic and used in medicines and food products?

Propylene Glycol ($1,2 ext{-propanediol}$)

What toxic substance is ethylene glycol converted into in the body that can damage the kidneys?

Oxalic acid

What are the characteristics and natural sources of Glycerol?

A clear, thick triol liquid found naturally in animal fats and vegetable oils, produced during fat metabolism.

Why do alcohols generally have higher boiling points than hydrocarbons of similar molecular mass?

The polar $O-H$ bond allows alcohol molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other.

What occurs during a halogenation reaction of an alcohol?

A halogen atom replaces the hydroxyl group to produce an alkyl halide.

What are the conditions and product of intramolecular alcohol dehydration?

Occurs at about $180\,^\circ\text{C}$ in the presence of sulfuric acid to produce an alkene.

What is the product of intermolecular alcohol dehydration at $140\,^\circ\text{C}$?

An ether and water.

What is the definition of a phenol?

Organic compounds in which a hydroxyl group is attached directly to a carbon atom in an aromatic ring system.

What is the general formula for phenols?

$Ar-OH$, where $Ar$ represents an aryl group.

Which phenol derivative is commonly found in mouthwashes and throat lozenges?

$$4 ext{-hexylresorcinol}$$

Why are phenols more acidic than alcohols?

The aromatic ring helps stabilize the negative charge on the phenoxide ion through resonance.

What are thiols, and what is their alternative name?

Sulfur analogs of alcohols containing a sulfhydryl group ($-SH$); also called mercaptans.

Why is methanethiol added to natural gas?

To make gas leaks detectable by smell, as natural gas itself is odorless.

What products are formed from the oxidation of a primary alcohol?

It is oxidized first into aldehydes and then into carboxylic acids.

What are secondary alcohols oxidized into?

Ketones

What is the product of an alcohol reacting with a carboxylic acid?

An ester

What is the general formula for an ether?

$$R-O-R'$$

Why must ethers be stored carefully regarding their reaction with air and light?

They can form explosive peroxides.