Alcohols

• What are alcohols classified as in organic chemistry?

  Homologous series of organic compounds
• Why are alcohols considered handy for various uses?

  They are useful for lots of things
• What functional group do alcohols contain?

  '-OH' functional group
• What is the general formula of an alcohol?

  C_nH_2n+1OH
• What is the formula for an alcohol with two carbons?

  C₂H₅OH
• What do all alcohols contain?

  An '-OH' group
• What are the first four alcohols in the homologous series?

  1. Methanol (C₁H₃OH)
  2. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
  3. Propanol (C₃H₇OH)
  4. Butanol (C₄H₉OH)
• What is a homologous series?

  A group of chemicals with similar properties
• What is the naming system for alcohols based on?

  Similar to alkanes, replacing '-e' with '-ol'
• Why should you not write CH₃O instead of CH₃OH?

  It doesn't show the '-OH' functional group
• What are the properties of the first four alcohols?

  • Flammable
  • Undergo complete combustion in air
  • Produce carbon dioxide and water
• What do alcohols produce when they undergo complete combustion?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• What is the combustion reaction of ethanol?

  2C₂H₅OH + 6O₂ → 4CO₂ + 6H₂O
• What can flames from alcohols produce?

  Flames can also be produced from ethanol
• Which alcohols are soluble in water?

  Methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol
• What is the pH of the solutions of the first four alcohols?

  They have a neutral pH
• How do alcohols react with sodium?

  They produce hydrogen gas
• What is one product of the reaction between alcohols and sodium?

  Hydrogen gas
• What happens when alcohols are oxidized?

  They form different carboxylic acids
• What is produced when methanol is oxidized?

  Methanoic acid
• What is produced when ethanol is oxidized?

  Ethanoic acid
• What are the uses of alcohols?

  • Solvents
  • Fuels
  • Antiseptics
• Why are alcohols like methanol and ethanol used as solvents in industry?

  They can dissolve most substances effectively
• What are the uses of alcohols in industry?

  • Used as solvents
  • Used as fuels
  • Can dissolve many substances
• What is a common use of ethanol in industry?

  As a fuel in spirit burners
• How is ethanol produced?

  By fermentation of sugars
• What is produced alongside ethanol during fermentation?

  Carbon dioxide
• What happens to enzymes during fermentation at high temperatures?

  They can be denatured and destroyed
• What is the balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol?

  C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
• What factors affect the rate of fermentation?

  • Temperature
  • pH levels
  • Concentration of sugars
  • Presence of oxygen
• What could happen if the pH during fermentation is too high or too low?

  Enzymes could be denatured, slowing fermentation
• What is the optimal temperature for fermentation?

  Around 37°C
• What is produced when sugars are converted to ethanol during fermentation?

  Alcohol and carbon dioxide
• What happens to the fermentation process if the conditions are not optimal?

  It could slow down or stop entirely
• What are the potential consequences of excessive alcohol consumption?

  • Health risks
  • Impaired judgment
  • Addiction
  • Social issues
• What is the chemical formula for ethanol?

  C₂H₅OH
• What is the role of enzymes in fermentation?

  They convert sugars into ethanol
• How does the presence of oxygen affect fermentation?

  It can inhibit the fermentation process
• What are the main products of the fermentation process?

  • Ethanol
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Energy (ATP)
• What is the significance of the balanced equation for ethanol combustion?

  It shows the reactants and products involved