Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Alcohol

ALCOHOLS – Have functional Group –OH

General Formulae

C_nH2_n+1 OH

Formed by replacing hydrogen of alkane with OH group

Used as fuel, solvents, spirits

Alcohol

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REACTIONS OF ALCOHOLS

COMBUSTION

• It can undergo complete or incomplete combustion. Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
• Ethanol + Oxygen = Carbon dioxide + water

C₂H₅OH + O₂                                 CO₂ + H₂O

•  Incomplete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
• Ethanol + Oxygen = Carbon monoxide + water

 C₂H₅OH + O₂                                 CO + H₂O

OXIDATION

• Alcohols are oxidised to carboxylic acid in the presence of oxidising agent.
• Methanol   Methanoic Acid
• Ethanol    Ethanoic Acid
• Oxidising agent used is acidified potassium dichromate solution

METAL

Alcohols react with metals to form salt and hydrogen.

2C₂H₅OH + 2Ca                                 2C₂H₅OCa + H₂

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References:

BBC Bitesize

Wikipedia

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