Introduction to Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers

Practice vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the classification and structure of alcohols, phenols, and ethers.

Alcohols

Organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxy ($-OH$) groups attached to an alkyl group.

Phenols

Organic compounds where the hydroxy ($-OH$) group is directly attached to an aromatic ring.

Monohydric Alcohols

Alcohols that contain only one $-OH$ group, such as Methanol ($CH_3-OH$) or Ethyl alcohol ($CH_3-CH_2-OH$).

Dihydric Alcohols

Alcohols containing two $-OH$ groups, with Ethylene glycol ($CH_2(OH)-CH_2(OH)$) provided as a primary example.

Trihydric Alcohols

Alcohols containing three $-OH$ groups, with Glycerol ($CH_2(OH)-CH(OH)-CH_2(OH)$) provided as a primary example.

Polyhydric Alcohols

Alcohols containing more than three $-OH$ groups, such as Sorbitol.

Catechol

A dihydroxy derivative of benzene where two $-OH$ groups are attached to the ring.

Resorcinol

A dihydroxy benzene derivative classified under phenols.

Quinol

A specific dihydroxy benzene derivative listed in the classification of phenols.

Pyrogallol

A trihydroxy derivative of benzene listed under the classification of phenols.

Ethers

Organic compounds with the general formula $R-O-R$ or $R-O-R'$, where $R$ and $R'$ are alkyl or phenyl groups.

Simple (Symmetrical) Ethers

Ethers where both organic groups attached to the oxygen atom are the same ($R = R$), such as dimethyl ether ($CH_3-O-CH_3$).

Mixed (Unsymmetrical) Ethers

Ethers where the two organic groups attached to the oxygen atom are different ($R \neq R$).

Anisole

An aromatic ether mentioned as an example in the classification ($C_6H_5-O-CH_3$).

Methanol

A monohydric alcohol with the formula $CH_3-OH$, also referred to as methyl alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol

A monohydric alcohol with the formula $CH_3-CH_2-OH$.