Alcohols and Their Classification

Alcohols

• Alcohols are organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) linked to a saturated hydrocarbon.
• The general formula for alcohols is R-OH, where 'R' represents a hydrocarbon group.
• Alcohols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups present in their molecules.
  • Monohydric alcohols have one -OH group.
  • Dihydric alcohols have two -OH groups.
  • Trihydric alcohols have three -OH groups.
  • Polyhydric alcohols have more than three -OH groups.

Classification of Monohydric Alcohols

• Monohydric alcohols are further classified based on the type of carbon atom the -OH group is attached to within the saturated hydrocarbon.

• Primary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a primary carbon atom, which is bonded to only one other carbon atom.

• Secondary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a secondary carbon atom, which is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

• Tertiary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a tertiary carbon atom, which is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

• Alcohols containing Sp²-C-OH bonds are also classified as true alcohols. In these alcohols, the hydroxyl group is attached to a Sp² hybridized carbon atom within a saturated hydrocarbon.