Alcohols and Their Properties
This section delves into the structure and classification of alcohols, which is essential knowledge for the Alkanes alkenes and alcohols chemistry study guide aqa.
Vocabulary: The functional group of alcohols is the hydroxyl group −OH.
Alcohols are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary based on the position of the hydroxyl group. The page provides structural diagrams for each type, helping students visualize the differences.
Definition: Diols are alcohols containing two hydroxyl groups, while triols contain three hydroxyl groups.
The physical properties of alcohols are explained, emphasizing the impact of hydroxyl groups on boiling points, viscosity, and solubility.
Highlight: As the number of hydroxyl groups increases, the boiling point tends to increase due to stronger hydrogen bonding, leading to higher melting and boiling points, increased viscosity, and greater solubility in polar solvents.