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Questions and Answers
What determines whether an alcohol is classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary?
What determines whether an alcohol is classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary?
- The number of alkyl groups attached to the carbinol carbon (correct)
- The number of hydroxyl groups attached
- The molecular weight of the alcohol
- The presence of other functional groups
How does the structure of alcohols compare to water?
How does the structure of alcohols compare to water?
- Alcohols have two hydroxyl groups
- Alcohols have a linear structure only
- Alcohols have a similar structure due to the hydroxyl group (correct)
- Alcohols have a higher molecular mass than water
What is the primary reason for the high boiling points of alcohols in relation to their molar mass?
What is the primary reason for the high boiling points of alcohols in relation to their molar mass?
- Presence of carbon chains
- Increased molecular weight only
- Extended alkyl groups
- Ability to form hydrogen bonds (correct)
Which of the following statements about ethanol and propane is correct based on their boiling points?
Which of the following statements about ethanol and propane is correct based on their boiling points?
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What characteristic of the hydroxyl group contributes to the polarity of alcohols?
What characteristic of the hydroxyl group contributes to the polarity of alcohols?
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Study Notes
Alcohol Overview
- Alcohols are organic compounds featuring a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an alkyl group (R).
- General formula for alcohols is R-OH, where R represents an alkyl group.
Classification of Alcohols
- Alcohols are classified based on the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group:
- Primary (1°) alcohol: One alkyl group attached.
- Secondary (2°) alcohol: Two alkyl groups attached.
- Tertiary (3°) alcohol: Three alkyl groups attached.
Structural and Physical Properties
- The molecular structure of R-O-H is similar to that of water (H2O).
- The hydroxyl group is highly polar, contributing to the solubility of alcohols in water.
- Alcohols can form hydrogen bonds easily due to the presence of the hydroxyl group.
- This ability to hydrogen bond results in relatively high boiling points for alcohols compared to hydrocarbons with similar molar masses.
Boiling Point Comparison
- For comparison:
- Propane (C3H8, molar mass = 44 g/mol) has a boiling point of -42°C.
- Ethanol (C2H5OH, molar mass = 46 g/mol) has a boiling point of 78°C.
- The significant difference in boiling points illustrates the impact of hydrogen bonding in alcohols compared to non-polar hydrocarbons.
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