What is the general formula for alcohols?

CnH2n+1OH


You may also see the general formula of alcohols written as CH2n+2O.

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What is the functional group of alcohols?

-OH 


-OH is called a hydroxyl group.

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Explain how alcohols can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary based on their structure.

  • Primary: -OH group attached to a carbon with one other alkyl group (or no alkyl groups).
  • Secondary: -OH group attached to a carbon with two other alkyl groups.
  • Tertiary: -OH group attached to a carbon with three other alkyl groups.

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Why are alcohols polar molecules?

Alcohols are polar molecules because they contain a polar O-H bond. This polarity arises from the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

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What is the strongest type of intermolecular force in alcohols?

Hydrogen bonding


Induced dipole-dipole forces and permanent dipole-dipole forces are also present in alcohols, but are weaker than hydrogen bonding.

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