Alcohols

Overview

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. They can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group. The general formula for alcohols is ROH, where R represents an alkyl group. Alcohols are typically named by replacing the 'e' at the end of the corresponding alkane name with 'ol' (e.g., ethane becomes ethanol). They are widely used in various applications, including as solvents, fuels, and in the production of beverages, with ethanol being the most common alcohol consumed by humans. Additionally, alcohols can undergo various chemical reactions, making them important in organic synthesis and industrial processes

Questions and Answers

  1. What is the general formula for alcohols?

    The general formula for alcohols is ROH, where R represents an alkyl group.

  2. How are alcohols classified?

    Alcohols are classified into monohydric (containing one -OH group) and polyhydric (containing two or more -OH groups) alcohols. Monohydric alcohols are further classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom to which the -OH group is attached

  3. What is the naming convention for alcohols?

    Alcohols are typically named by replacing the 'e' in the name of the corresponding alkane with 'ol' (e.g., ethane becomes ethanol)

  4. What are primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

    Primary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a primary carbon atom, secondary alcohols have it attached to a secondary carbon atom, and tertiary alcohols have it attached to a tertiary carbon atom

  5. What is the significance of ethanol in Pakistan?

    In Pakistan, ethanol is commercially prepared from molasses, highlighting its importance in the local economy and industry

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. Which of the following is a primary alcohol?

    a) Isopropanol
    b) Ethanol
    c) Tert-butanol
    d) 1-butanol
    Answer: d) 1-butanol

  2. What is the naming convention for alcohols?

    a) Replace 'e' with 'ine'
    b) Replace 'e' with 'ol'
    c) Add 'ol' at the end
    d) Add 'hydroxide' at the end
    Answer: b) Replace 'e' with 'ol'

  3. Which of the following is a characteristic property of alcohols?

    a) High boiling points
    b) Insoluble in water
    c) Non-flammable
    d) Strong acids
    Answer: a) High boiling points

  4. What type of alcohol is formed when the -OH group is attached to a secondary carbon?

    a) Primary alcohol
    b) Secondary alcohol
    c) Tertiary alcohol
    d) Monohydric alcohol
    Answer: b) Secondary alcohol

  5. Which alcohol is commonly used in alcoholic beverages?

    a) Methanol
    b) Butanol
    c) Ethanol
    d) Propanol
    Answer: c) Ethanol