Questions and Answers
What is the general formula of alcohols containing one -OH group?
Monohydric alcohols contain more than one -OH group.
False
What are alcohols with two -OH groups called?
Dihydric alcohols or diols.
Which type of alcohol has the hydroxyl group attached to a primary carbon atom?
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Match the following types of alcohols with their definitions:
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Study Notes
Overview of Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Alcohols, phenols, and ethers are derivatives of water.
- In alcohols, one hydrogen is replaced by an alkyl group (R-OH).
- In phenols, one hydrogen is replaced by an aryl group (Ar-OH).
- In ethers, both hydrogens are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups (Ar/R-O-R/Ar).
Alcohols
- Characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aliphatic carbon atom.
- General formula: R-OH or CnH2n+1OHC_nH_{2n+1}OHCnH2n+1OH.
- Common examples: Methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), Ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH).
Types of Alcohols
- Monohydric alcohols contain one -OH group.
- Polyhydric alcohols contain more than one -OH group; further divided into:
- Dihydric alcohols (glycols) with two -OH groups.
- Trihydric alcohols (triols) with three -OH groups.
- Dihydric alcohols are often sweet-tasting (from Greek "glycys").
Classification of Monohydric Alcohols
- Monohydric alcohols can be classified based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group is attached:
- Primary (1°) alcohols: Hydroxyl group attached to a primary carbon.
- Secondary (2°) alcohols: Hydroxyl group attached to a secondary carbon.
- Tertiary (3°) alcohols: Hydroxyl group attached to a tertiary carbon.
Nomenclature of Alcohols
- Alcohols can be named using common names or the IUPAC naming system.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of alcohols, phenols, and ethers. This quiz covers the basic definitions, structures, and classifications of these important organic compounds. Test your understanding of how these derivatives of water function in chemistry!