Alcohol

1. CnH2n+1OH n=1,2,3
2. Functional group −OH (hydroxyl group)
n Molecular IUPAC Structural formula Isomer
formula name
1 CH3OH

2 C2H5OH

3 C3H7OH

4 C4H9OH

3. alcohol
(a) Isomerism
(b) Preparation of alcohol
i) industrial production of ethanol --- hydration of ethane
CH2=CH2 + H-OH → C2H5OH
ii) Laboratory preparation of ethanol ---- fermentation
Fermentation – chemical process which occurs when a microorganism, such as yeast, react on carbohydrate to produce
ethanol and carbon dioxide.
C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2CO2
(c) Physical properties
- colourless, neutral, alcoholic odour
- Low boiling point
- volatility – evaporates easily at room temperature
- density – lighter than water
- solubility – ethanol soluble in water
(d) chemical properties
i) Combustion
C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
C2H5OH + O2 → 2C +3 H2O
ii) Oxidation
- oxidizing agent → acidified potassium dichromate (VI) (orange → green)
→ acidified potassium manganate (VII) (purple → colourless)
- hot ethanol (sulphuric acid)
C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O
iii) Dehydration (H2O molecules are removed from an organic compound)
- dehydrating agent → porcelain chips
→ aluminium oxide
→ sulphuric acid
→ phosphoric acid
- alcohol in the form of vapour
- heating
C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O
- the gas collexted is tested with
a. bromine water
b. acidified potassium manganate (VII)
c. a burning wooden splint
Carboxylic acid
1) General formula --- CnH2n+1COOH n=0, 1, 2 ,3…
2) Functional group --- carboxyl group − COOH
n Molecular formula Carboxylic acid Structure formula
1

3) Preparation of ethanoic acid in the laboratory

Ethanoic acids is prepared through the acidation of ethanol, using potassium dichromate (VI) solution and dilute sulphuric
acid under reflux.
C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O
4) Physical properties
- ethanoic acid → colourless liquid, vinegar like odour
→ low melting and boiling point
→ soluble in water
5) Chemical properties
- Esterification : acid + alcohol → ester
C2H5COOH +CH3OH ↔ C2H5COOCH3 + H2O
Conc. Sulphuric acid – drying agent to remove water from the mixture of ester and water
- as a weak acid (partial ionization)
weak acid + metal →
weak acid + base →
weak acid + carbonate →

Esters
R’•COO•R”
Functional group – carboxylate group

Example:

1) Physical properties:
- neutral
- less dense than water
- low boiling point
- soluble inorganic solvent
2) Uses of esters:
Distinct odours and flovour and volatilize easily
- perfume
- Flavour
- solvents
- cosmetics