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Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Alcohol

ALCOHOLS – Have functional Group –OH

General Formulae

CnH2n+1 OH

Formed by replacing hydrogen of alkane with OH group

Used as fuel, solvents, spirits

          

        

Alcohol

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REACTIONS OF ALCOHOLS

COMBUSTION

  • It can undergo complete or incomplete combustion. Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
  • Ethanol + Oxygen = Carbon dioxide + water

C2H5OH + O2                                 CO2 + H2O

  •  Incomplete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
  • Ethanol + Oxygen = Carbon monoxide + water

 C2H5OH + O2                                 CO + H2O

OXIDATION

  • Alcohols are oxidised to carboxylic acid in the presence of oxidising agent.
  • Methanol   Methanoic Acid
  • Ethanol    Ethanoic Acid
  • Oxidising agent used is acidified potassium dichromate solution

METAL

Alcohols react with metals to form salt and hydrogen.

2C2H5OH + 2Ca                                 2C2H5OCa + H2

DISCLAIMER

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References:

BBC Bitesize

Wikipedia

Wikimedia Commons

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