Alcohols

OCR A-level Organic ChemistryTopic 8 of 157 lessons

Revision notes for Alcohols in OCR Chemistry A (H432). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.

1. AlcoholsAlcohols contain the OH or hydroxyl functional group.
2. Physical PropertiesAlcohols are less volatile than alkanes of similar molecular mass and are more soluble (miscible) in water.
3. Classifying AlcoholsAlcohols can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary.
4. Combustion and use as FuelsAlcohols are used as biofuels.
5. OxidationPrimary and secondary alcohols can be oxidised using potassium dichromate VI and sulfuric acid (K2Cr2O7/H2SO4).
6. Dehydration of AlcoholsOn heating an alcohol with concentrated phosphoric acid H3PO4, an elimination reaction occurs.
7. Nucleophilic Substitution ReactionsThe hydroxyl group of an alcohol can be replaced by a halogen atom.

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