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Alcohols are organic compounds containing the hydroxyl functional group (-OH) bonded to a saturated carbon atom. They have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH and are among the most versatile molecules in organic chemistry — they can be oxidised, dehydrated, esterified, and used as fuels and solvents.
Like halogenoalkanes, alcohols are classified according to the number of carbon atoms bonded to the carbon carrying the -OH group:
| Classification | Carbon Bearing -OH | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (1°) | Bonded to one other carbon (or none) | Ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH |
| Secondary (2°) | Bonded to two other carbons | Propan-2-ol, (CH₃)₂CHOH |
| Tertiary (3°) | Bonded to three other carbons | 2-Methylpropan-2-ol, (CH₃)₃COH |
This classification is critical because it determines the oxidation products.
The -OH group can form hydrogen bonds with other alcohol molecules and with water. Hydrogen bonding occurs because oxygen is highly electronegative, creating a significant δ+ on the hydrogen. This Oδ⁻-Hδ+ can interact with a lone pair on the oxygen of a neighbouring molecule.
Consequences of hydrogen bonding:
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