Module 9. Alcohols: Nomenclature, Preparation and Reactions

MODULE 9.
ALCOHOLS:
NOMENCLATURE, PREPARATION
AND REACTIONS
INTRODUCTION
In chemistry, alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least one hydroxyl functional
group (−OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom. The term alcohol originally referred to the
primary alcohol ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is used as a drug and is the main alcohol
present in alcoholic drinks. An important class of alcohols, of which methanol and ethanol are
the simplest members, includes all compounds for which the general formula is CnH2n+1OH.
Simple mono alcohols that are the subject of this article include primary (RCH 2OH),
secondary (R2CHOH) and tertiary (R3COH) alcohols.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, student should be able to:

1. Discuss the distinguishing features of alcohols
2. Classify the different alcohols
MOTIVATION
Are you aware in the use of alcohols in everyday life of people? In example of this is the
beverages we drink and also a thing we use to sanitize and eliminate bacteria. So, in this activity
make a research and give another importance of alcohol.
ABSTRACTION
Alcohol, any of a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more

hydroxyl (―OH) groups attached to a carbon atom of an alkyl group (hydrocarbon chain).
Alcohols may be considered as organic derivatives of water (H 2O) in which one of the hydrogen
atoms has been replaced by an alkyl group, typically represented by R in organic structures. For
example, in ethanol (or ethyl alcohol) the alkyl group is the ethyl group, ―CH2CH3. Alcohols
are among the most common organic compounds. They are used as sweeteners and in making
perfumes, are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds, and are among the
most abundantly produced organic chemicals in industry. Perhaps the two best-known alcohols
are ethanol and methanol (or methyl alcohol). Ethanol is used in toiletries, pharmaceuticals, and
fuels, and it is used to sterilize hospital instruments. It is, moreover, the alcohol in alcoholic
beverages. The anesthetic ether is also made from ethanol. Methanol is used as a solvent, as a
raw material for the manufacture of formaldehyde and special resins, in special fuels, in
antifreeze, and for cleaning metals.
SUMMARY
Alcohols are any carbon chain with an 'OH' group attached to one of the carbon atoms.
These alcohols can be primary, secondary or tertiary. A primary alcohol is one in which the
'OH' group is attached to a terminating carbon (the last carbon on a carbon chain). A
secondary alcohol is when the carbon that is attached to the 'OH' group is attached to 2 other
carbon atoms. Finally, a tertiary alcohol is when the carbon that is attached to the 'OH' group is
not attached to any hydrogen atoms. Instead, it is attached to 3 other carbon atoms. Because
alcohols are easily synthesized and easily transformed into other compounds, they serve as
important intermediates in organic synthesis. A multistep synthesis may use Grignard-like
reactions to form an alcohol with the desired carbon structure, followed by reactions to convert
the hydroxyl group of the alcohol to the desired functionality.
ENRICHMENT
The common name of an alcohol combines the name of the alkyl group with the word
alcohol. If the alkyl group is complex, the common name becomes awkward and the IUPAC
name should be used. Common names often incorporate obsolete terms in the naming of the
alkyl group; for example, amyl is frequently used instead of pentyl for a five-carbon chain. Most
of the common alcohols are colorless liquids at room temperature. Methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol,
and isopropyl alcohol are free-flowing liquids with fruity odors. The higher alcohols those
containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms are somewhat viscous, or oily, and they have heavier fruity
odors. Some of the highly branched alcohols and many alcohols containing more than 12 carbon
atoms are solids at room temperature.
LESSON OUTPUT
As for the output of individual, make a poster making about the distinguish features
of alcohol and state how its reaction and preparation.
EVALUATION
Direction: Read the fallowing questions and answer it correctly.
1. The dehydration of alcohols is an example of what?
2. The following alcohols would be most soluble in water?
3. It is least acidic?
Answers:
1. Alcohol upon reaction with protic acids tends to lose a molecule of water to form alkenes.
These reactions are known as dehydration of alcohols. Dehydration of alcohols is an example of
Unimolecular elimination reaction.
2. Propanol is the most soluble in water among given alcohols, as solubility of alcohols in water
decreases with increase in molecular mass.
3. O-cresol is least acidic because Presence of electron withdrawing groups at ortho and para
position increases the acidic strength, whereas electron releasing or donating groups at ortho and
para position decreases acidic strength. In cresol (ortho or para cresol), methyl group is +I group,
so it destabilizes the anion formed after ionization, hence cresol is less acidic than carbolic acid
(phenol).
References
https://www.britannica.com/science/alcohol/Structure-and-classification-of-alcohols

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MODULE 9.

At the end of this lesson, student should be able to:

Alcohol, any of a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more

Direction: Read the fallowing questions and answer it correctly.

1. The dehydration of alcohols is an example of what?

2. The following alcohols would be most soluble in water?

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