Alcohols

Understanding Alcohols

• Alcohols are organic compounds characterised by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
• The general formula for alcohols is C_nH_2n+1OH.
• The simplest alcohol is methanol (CH₃OH), followed by ethanol (C₂H₅OH).
• Alcohols are named by identifying the alkyl group and adding the word alcohol. For example, the name of CH₃OH is methyl alcohol.

Properties of Alcohols

• Alcohols have higher melting and boiling points compared to alkanes and alkenes due to the hydrogen bonding between the alcohol molecules.
• Most alcohols are soluble in water as the hydroxyl (OH) group can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
• Alcohols are versatile solvents and can dissolve both polar and non-polar substances.
• Reaction-wise, alcohols are relatively neutral and do not react in the same way as acids or bases.

Uses of Alcohols

• Alcohols are widely used in a plethora of industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fuels.
• Ethanol is commonly used in alcoholic beverages, as a solvent in medicines and perfumes, and as a fuel.
• Methanol is often utilised in antifreeze and in the manufacturing of formaldehyde and certain plastics.

Reactions of Alcohols

• During combustion, alcohols reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.
• In presence of a suitable catalyst, alcohols can be dehydrated to form alkenes and water.
• Additionally, alcohols can be oxidised to form aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids.

Alcohol Safety

• Certain alcohols are toxic. Methanol, for instance, can cause blindness or even death when consumed.
• While ethanol is the key ingredient in alcoholic beverages, it can be harmful or deadly in large amounts.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to addiction and other severe health issues, including damage to the liver and brain.