Alcohols (CIE IGCSE Chemistry: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Last updated

Alcohols

  • All alcohols contain the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group which is the part of alcohol molecules that is responsible for their characteristic reactions
  • Alcohols are a homologous series of compounds that have the general formula CnH2n+1OH
  • They differ by one -CH2 in the molecular formulae from one member to the next

Table showing the first three alcohols

Name Formula Displayed formula
Methanol CH3OH methanol-
Ethanol C2H5OH screenshot-2024-02-18-191221
Propanol C3H7OH propanol-displayed

Uses and reactions of alcohol

  • Ethanol (C2H5OH) is one of the most important alcohols
    • Ethanol can also be represented by its structural formula CH3CH2OH
  • It is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer
  • It is also used as fuel for cars and as a solvent
  • Ethanol will undergo complete combustion and burn in excess oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water 

C2H5OH (l) + 3O(g) → 2CO2 (g) + 3H20 (l)

Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol is used to make drinks, as a fuel and in solvents

Photo by NHS Better Health

 

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.