1. Alcohols OH is called “hydroxy” or a “hydroxyl group” A non-aromatic HC that contains the substituent - OH Determined by how many other bonds the carbon that is attached to the OH has. (ex. Three more bonds = 3°) Alcohols can be primary (1°), secondary(2°), or tertiary (3°). Compounds are molecular. These compounds are NOT bases. The OH does not dissociate like in a base.

2. Polyols Sometimes an alcohol can have more than one OH group. These are known as “polyols” More specifically di-ols and tri- ols.

3. Nomenclature Longest chain must have the OH attached somewhere to it. Name as an alkane – but change the ending to ‘anol’ Denote where the OH is by giving it the lowest number possible. Denote other substituents with placement.

4. Properties of Alcohols Low MW alcohols are soluble in water. C1-C3 infinitely (soluble)C4 limited (solubility) As the length of the HC chain increases, the OH has less power This decreases the solubility C5-C11 are oily liquids that have a slight water solubility > or = C12 are wax-like solids

5. Spotlight (MeOH) Methanol Aka Methyl Alcohol Used to be obtained by the destructive distillation of wood Nickname = wood alcohol Uses Converted to formaldehyde Drying agent gasohol

6. MeOH Properties Volatile Highly flammable liquid Poisonous Causes blindness and death “Moonshine”

7. Spotlight (EtOH) Aka Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, and spirits Fermentation of sugar and starch Ethanol Both are 100% alcohol Denatured Has a drying agent within it to keep water out Methyl alcohol or benzene Cannot be consumed! Absolute No drying agent Will absorb water from the atmosphere when opened Absolute alcohol from store is a brand name 2 Major Types

8. Spotlight (EtOH) It will automatically absorb water from the atmosphere If made from distillation – can only be 95% pure. Solvent Compounding ingredient in pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and flavorings Alcoholic beverages Uses (industrial)

9. Spotlight (Isopropyl Alcohol) Aka 2-propanolUses Rubbing Alcohol Solvent Manufacture of acetone Extremely toxic

10. Spotlight (Glycerol) Poly-ol Aka Glycerine (1,2,3 – propantriol) Also can be synthesized from propene Obtained as a by-product of processing animal and vegetable fats to make soap and other products Manufacture of explosives (nitroglycerin) Emollient in cosmetics Prevents tobacco products from becoming dry and crumbly Sweetener Uses