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Alcohols

Oxidation of alcohols

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Jul 1, 2025

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Fun Guide to Alcohol Properties: Boiling Points, Melting, and Solubility for Kids

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jasmine

@jaslilyy

Alcohols and alkanes exhibit distinct physical properties due to their... Show more

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES when comparing an alcohol with an alkene (methanol and methane), despite having the same number of carbons, there are so

Physical Properties of Alcohols vs Alkanes

Physical properties of alcohols differ significantly from alkanes, despite having the same number of carbon atoms. This is due to the presence of the polar O-H bond in alcohols, which leads to stronger intermolecular forces.

Highlight: Alcohols are less volatile, have higher melting points, and greater water solubility than corresponding alkanes.

The differences in properties between alcohols and alkanes can be explained by considering the polarity of their bonds:

  1. Alkanes: Have non-polar bonds due to similar electronegativity of hydrogen and carbon Molecules are non-polar Intermolecular forces are weak London forces
  2. Alcohols: Have a polar O-H bond due to electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen Molecules are polar Intermolecular forces include weak London forces and stronger hydrogen bonds

Vocabulary: Volatility - The ability of a substance to change from solid/liquid to vapor, characterized by low vapor pressure and higher boiling point.

Classification of Alcohols

Alcohols are classified based on the number of hydrogen atoms and alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom containing the -OH functional group:

  1. Primary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group Examples: methanol, ethanol
  2. Secondary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with one hydrogen atom and two alkyl groups Examples: propan-2-ol, pentan-3-ol
  3. Tertiary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with no hydrogen atoms and three alkyl groups Examples: 2-methyl propan-2-ol, 2-methylbutan-2-ol

Example: Ethanol CH3CH2OHCH₃CH₂OH is a primary alcohol because the -OH group is attached to a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group.

Volatility and Boiling Point

Boiling point of alcohols is higher than that of alkanes with the same number of carbon atoms. This is due to the presence of hydrogen bonds in alcohols.

Definition: Volatility refers to a compound's ability to vaporize easily. Compounds with low boiling points are considered volatile.

Hydrogen bonding in alcohols affects their volatility and boiling point:

  1. In the liquid state, intermolecular hydrogen bonds hold alcohol molecules together
  2. These bonds must be broken to change the liquid alcohol into a gas
  3. Breaking hydrogen bonds requires more energy than overcoming the weaker London forces in alkanes
  4. As a result, alcohols have lower volatility and higher boiling points than alkanes with the same number of carbon atoms

Highlight: The effect of hydrogen bonding on alcohol properties becomes less pronounced as the carbon chain length increases.

Solubility in Water

Properties of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols include their solubility in water. Alcohols are generally more soluble in water than alkanes due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Example: Methanol and ethanol are completely soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding between the polar -OH group of the alcohol and water molecules.

Reactions of Alcohols

Alcohols undergo various reactions, including:

  1. Combustion: Alcohols burn completely in a plentiful supply of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water The reaction is exothermic, releasing a large quantity of energy as heat As the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol chain increases, the heat released per mole also increases
  2. Oxidation: Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes or carboxylic acids Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones The product depends on the reaction conditions

Example: The oxidation of butan-1-ol aprimaryalcohola primary alcohol to form butanal analdehydean aldehyde using acidified potassium dichromate VIVI is represented as: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH OO → CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO

In conclusion, the physical properties of alcohols are significantly influenced by their ability to form hydrogen bonds, which affects their boiling points, volatility, and solubility in water. Understanding these properties and the classification of alcohols is crucial for students studying organic chemistry in Class 12 and beyond.



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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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Paul T

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Subjects

Chemistry

Organic chemistry

Alcohols

Oxidation of alcohols

 

Chemistry

•

163

•

Jul 1, 2025

•

1 page

Fun Guide to Alcohol Properties: Boiling Points, Melting, and Solubility for Kids

user profile picture

jasmine

@jaslilyy

Alcohols and alkanes exhibit distinct physical properties due to their molecular structures and intermolecular forces. This summary explores the differences in physical properties of alcohols and alkanes, the classification of primary secondary tertiary alcohols, and the intermolecular forces... Show more

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES when comparing an alcohol with an alkene (methanol and methane), despite having the same number of carbons, there are so

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Physical Properties of Alcohols vs Alkanes

Physical properties of alcohols differ significantly from alkanes, despite having the same number of carbon atoms. This is due to the presence of the polar O-H bond in alcohols, which leads to stronger intermolecular forces.

Highlight: Alcohols are less volatile, have higher melting points, and greater water solubility than corresponding alkanes.

The differences in properties between alcohols and alkanes can be explained by considering the polarity of their bonds:

  1. Alkanes: Have non-polar bonds due to similar electronegativity of hydrogen and carbon Molecules are non-polar Intermolecular forces are weak London forces
  2. Alcohols: Have a polar O-H bond due to electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen Molecules are polar Intermolecular forces include weak London forces and stronger hydrogen bonds

Vocabulary: Volatility - The ability of a substance to change from solid/liquid to vapor, characterized by low vapor pressure and higher boiling point.

Classification of Alcohols

Alcohols are classified based on the number of hydrogen atoms and alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom containing the -OH functional group:

  1. Primary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group Examples: methanol, ethanol
  2. Secondary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with one hydrogen atom and two alkyl groups Examples: propan-2-ol, pentan-3-ol
  3. Tertiary Alcohols: -OH group attached to a carbon atom with no hydrogen atoms and three alkyl groups Examples: 2-methyl propan-2-ol, 2-methylbutan-2-ol

Example: Ethanol CH3CH2OHCH₃CH₂OH is a primary alcohol because the -OH group is attached to a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group.

Volatility and Boiling Point

Boiling point of alcohols is higher than that of alkanes with the same number of carbon atoms. This is due to the presence of hydrogen bonds in alcohols.

Definition: Volatility refers to a compound's ability to vaporize easily. Compounds with low boiling points are considered volatile.

Hydrogen bonding in alcohols affects their volatility and boiling point:

  1. In the liquid state, intermolecular hydrogen bonds hold alcohol molecules together
  2. These bonds must be broken to change the liquid alcohol into a gas
  3. Breaking hydrogen bonds requires more energy than overcoming the weaker London forces in alkanes
  4. As a result, alcohols have lower volatility and higher boiling points than alkanes with the same number of carbon atoms

Highlight: The effect of hydrogen bonding on alcohol properties becomes less pronounced as the carbon chain length increases.

Solubility in Water

Properties of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols include their solubility in water. Alcohols are generally more soluble in water than alkanes due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Example: Methanol and ethanol are completely soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding between the polar -OH group of the alcohol and water molecules.

Reactions of Alcohols

Alcohols undergo various reactions, including:

  1. Combustion: Alcohols burn completely in a plentiful supply of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water The reaction is exothermic, releasing a large quantity of energy as heat As the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol chain increases, the heat released per mole also increases
  2. Oxidation: Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes or carboxylic acids Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones The product depends on the reaction conditions

Example: The oxidation of butan-1-ol aprimaryalcohola primary alcohol to form butanal analdehydean aldehyde using acidified potassium dichromate VIVI is represented as: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH OO → CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO

In conclusion, the physical properties of alcohols are significantly influenced by their ability to form hydrogen bonds, which affects their boiling points, volatility, and solubility in water. Understanding these properties and the classification of alcohols is crucial for students studying organic chemistry in Class 12 and beyond.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

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4.8/5

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user