Edexcel AS Chemistry

Revision Notes

3.5.1 Classifying Alcohols

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Classifying Alcohols

  • Alcohols are a family of molecules that contain the hydroxyl functional group, -OH
  • Their general formula is  CnH2n+1OH
  • The nomenclature of alcohols follows the pattern alkan + ol
  • If there are two -OH groups present the molecule is called a diol

The first four Alcohols and their Structures Table

Alcohols table, IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notes

  • Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on the number of carbons attached to the functional group carbon
    • Primary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to one other carbon atom (or alkyl group)
    • Secondary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to two other carbon atoms (or alkyl groups)
    • Tertiary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to three other carbon atoms (or alkyl groups)

Hydroxy Compounds Classifying Alcohols, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Classifying primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols and alcohols with more than one alcohol group

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