Alcohols

• Alcohols fall under the category of organic chemistry. They are compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.

• The general formula of an alcohol is CnH2n+1OH.

• There are three types of alcohols- primary, secondary, and tertiary. This categorization is based on the number of carbon atoms directly attached to the carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group.

• In the nomenclature of alcohols, the ‘e’ in the corresponding alkane is replaced by ‘ol’. For instance, methane becomes methanol, ethane becomes ethanol, etc.

• The boiling point of alcohols is relatively high due to the presence of hydrogen bonding. This is stronger than the van der Waals forces in corresponding alkanes, thus requiring more energy to overcome.

• The smaller alcohols, i.e., methanol and ethanol, are soluble in water as they can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However, as the hydrocarbon chain length increases, the solubility decreases.

• Alcohols undergoes several types of reactions including combustion, oxidation (by acidified potassium dichromate(VI)), elimination and esterification.

• The type of alcohol, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary, can affect the product and rate of some reactions, notably oxidation.

• The process of fermentation involves the anaerobic conversion of glucose to ethanol by yeast, an example of natural production of alcohols.

• In addition to fermentation, alcohols can be industrially produced by the hydration of alkenes in the presence of an acid catalyst.

• Alcohols are widely used in industry- as solvents, fuels, and raw materials for the production of chemicals like esters and carboxylic acids. Ideal comprehension of alcohols and their reactions is crucial in advancing in organic chemistry.