Reactions With Alcohols
Organic Reactions
** Alcohols **
Main Bond: Hydrogen Bond
Alcohol Classification:
- primary 1o - attached to 1 R group (at the end of a carbon chain)
- secondary 2o - attached to 2 R groups (at a branch of a carbon chain)
- tertiary 3o - attached to 3 R groups
Main Reactions:
Combustion, Oxidation with Primary and Secondary Alcohols
Combustion
Conditions:
Little bit of heat to get it going and plenty of oxygen.
Examples:
(see photo below)
Esterification
Conditions:
Acidic solution and heat
Examples:
(see photo below)
Uses/Other:
Esters are used in flavoring agents, plasticizers, as solvents in perfume, polyesters
Oxidation (Primary Alcohol)
Conditions:
For incomplete oxidation:
Distillation in acidic aqueous solution
Alcohol + Oxidizing Agent (KMnO4, K2Cr2O7) → Carboxylic Acid
Conditions:
For complete oxidation:
Heat under reflux in acidic aqueous solution
***
Examples:
(See photo below)
Oxidation (Secondary Alcohol)
Conditions:
Heat under reflux in acidic acidic aqueous solution
Example:
(See photo below)