Chemistry of Methanol and Alcohols

Questions and Answers

What is the chemical formula for methanol?

CH3OH

What do you name the derivatives of linear hydrocarbons in which an (−OH) group has replaced a hydrogen atom?

alcohols

Identify the name of an alcohol with four carbons in a chain and an (−OH) group on the second carbon.

2-butanol

Identify the name of an alcohol with five carbons in a chain and (−OH) groups on the first, third, and fifth carbons.

1,3,5-pentanetriol Signup and view all the answers

Identify the name of an alcohol with four carbons in a chain and an (−OH) group on the third carbon.

2-butanol Signup and view all the answers

Explain why ethanol has a higher boiling point than methanol.

Ethanol has a longer carbon chain than methanol. Signup and view all the answers

Which intermolecular interactions are responsible for the solubility of ethanol in an alkane solvent?

dispersion forces Signup and view all the answers

Methanol belongs to which of the following alcohol classifications?

Methanol is not in any of these categories because the single carbon of methanol is not attached to any alkyl groups. Signup and view all the answers

The relative stability of the hydroxide ion, OH−, allows alcohols to undergo what process?

Substitution and dehydration reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of reactions is NOT enabled by breaking an alcohol C−O bond?

hydration reactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Methanol and Alcohols

Chemical formula for methanol is CH3OH.
Alcohols are derived from linear hydrocarbons where an (−OH) group replaces a hydrogen atom.

Alcohol Nomenclature

2-butanol is the name for an alcohol with four carbons and an (−OH) group on the second carbon.
1,3,5-pentanetriol refers to an alcohol with five carbons, with (−OH) groups on the first, third, and fifth carbons.
2-butanol (note the case consistency) also characterized by four carbons and an (−OH) group on the third carbon.

Physical Properties of Alcohols

Ethanol has a higher boiling point than methanol due to its longer carbon chain, which contributes to greater molecular interactions.

Solubility and Interactions

The solubility of ethanol in an alkane solvent is primarily attributed to dispersion forces.

Classification of Alcohols

Methanol does not fall into common alcohol classifications because its single carbon is not linked to any alkyl groups.

Reactivity of Alcohols

The relative stability of hydroxide ion (OH−) allows alcohols to participate in substitution and dehydration reactions.
Breaking C−O bonds in alcohols does not enable hydration reactions.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of methanol and alcohols, their chemical formulas, nomenclature, and physical properties. This quiz dives into solubility, molecular interactions, and the unique classification of various alcohols. Test your knowledge on these important organic compounds!