Alcohols Explanation: Physical & Chemical Properties, Various Forms, Uses

An organic molecule known as alcohol has a saturated carbon atom linked to at least one hydroxyl (OH) functional group. The principal alcohol ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), which is used as a narcotic and is the primary alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, was the one to which the term "alcohol" originally referred. All substances that adhere to the general formula CnH2n+1OH are considered to be an important class of alcohols, of which methanol and ethanol are the simplest examples. This article discusses primary (RCH2OH), secondary (R2CHOH), and tertiary (R3COH) alcohols as simple mono alcohols.

All compounds whose hydroxyl group is the functional group with the highest priority are identified by the suffix -ol in their chemical names by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The prefix hydroxy- is added to the compound's IUPAC name when it contains a higher priority group. In non-IUPAC names, such as paracetamol or cholesterol, the suffix -ol also often denotes the presence of alcohol. However, other substances with hydroxyl functional groups have unimportant names that do not contain the prefix hydroxy- or the suffix -ol, such as the sugars glucose and sucrose.

Alcohol Physical Properties

• In general, alcohols are liquid at room temperature.

• When compared to other hydrocarbons with comparable molecular weights, they often have greater boiling points. In general, as the aliphatic carbon chain contains more carbon atoms, the boiling point of alcohol rises.

• They are soluble in water. Smaller hydrocarbon-chained alcohols have high solubility. As the hydrocarbon chain lengthens, so does the solubility in water.

Alcohol Chemical Properties

• Because the C-O and O-H bonds in alcohols can break, various spontaneous chemical reactions can occur. Among alcohol's most unusual chemical reactions is

• Oxidation Reaction: When an oxidising agent is present, alcohols are oxidised to create aldehydes and ketones, which can then be further oxidised to create carboxylic acids.

Various Forms of Alcohol

Alcohols are hydrocarbon hydroxy derivatives.

Different Types Of Alcohol Based On The Hydroxyl Group Count.

• Monohydric: Monohydric alcohols are those that only contain one hydroxyl group. Ethyl alcohol and phenol are two examples.

• Dihydric: This form of alcohol contains two hydroxyl groups. Glycol and 1,2-benzenediol are two examples.

• Trihydric: This form of alcohol contains three hydroxyl groups. Glycerol and pyrogallol are two examples.

Depending On How Many Alkyl Groups Are Connected To The Hydroxylated Carbon, There Are Many Types Of Alcohol.

• Primary Alcohol: A primary alcohol has an alkyl group or many bonded to a hydroxyl group on the carbon atom.

• Secondary Alcohol: Alcohol classified as secondary alcohol has two alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that is joined to a hydroxyl group.

• Tertiary Alcohol: Alcohol classified as tertiary has three alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom that is joined to a hydroxyl group.

Based On How Hydroxylated Carbon Has Hybridised, There Are Different Types Of Alcohol.

Substances With An sp3-OH Bond

• Alcohols that are primary, secondary, and tertiary.

• Alcohols with an allyl group linked to the sp3 hybridised carbon next to an AA carbon-carbon double bond are referred to as allylic alcohols.

• The hydroxyl group is joined to an sp3 hybridised carbon atom close to a non-romantic ring in benzoic alcohols.

Continuing Compounds sp2-OH Bond

• Alcohols known as vinylic alcohols have a hydroxyl group joined to a carbon atom by a carbon-carbon double bond.

• Benzene rings' carbon atoms are joined to a hydroxyl group to form phenols.

Uses Of Alcohol

• In alcoholic beverages, ethanol serves as the alcohol.

• Alcohol is a highly effective fuel. When it burns, it releases carbon dioxide and water.

• Vinegar can also be made with it.

• It serves as an antibacterial, wound dressing, and snake bite remedy. A moderate sedative is another use for it.

• Most cough syrups contain alcohol, a frequent element in cough remedies.

• Alcohol is utilised in disinfectants due to its antifungal and antibacterial effects.

• In hospitals, medical facilities, and laboratories, alcohol is utilised as a cleaning agent to get rid of microbial contamination.

• Solvents are substances that are utilised in analytical chemistry procedures like chromatography analysis, such as ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol.