Alcohols
I can describe and explain properties and reactions of alcohols.
Alcohols
I can describe and explain properties and reactions of alcohols.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Alcohols can react, at their functional group -OH, with sodium, oxygen, water, or an oxidising agent.
- Alcohols need less oxygen than equivalent alkanes in order to burn completely.
- Alcohols are good solvents which also mix with water.
- The boiling point of ethanol is much higher than the boiling point of ethane.
- Ethanol can be formed via fermentation of glucose (renewable) or via hydration of ethene (non-renewable).
Common misconception
Incorrectly writing the molecular formula of alcohols.
Help students understand the difference between structural formula, e.g C₂H₅OH, and molecular formula, e.g C₂H₆O.
Keywords
Alcohol - Alcohols are a homologous series of compounds that contain the -OH functional group.
Functional group - The functional group is the atom or group of atoms responsible for the way a compound reacts.
Solvent - A solvent is a liquid into which a solute dissolves.
Fermentation - Fermentation is a process that produces solutions of ethanol from sugar, resulting from the anaerobic respiration of microorganisms.
Hydration - A reaction involving the addition of water is known as hydration.
Equipment
Whoosh bottle resources - reaction vessel, rubber stopper, splint attached to metre ruler, and alcohols. Complete your own risk assessment.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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