7.2.5

Reactions of Alcohols

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Reactions of Alcohols

Alcohol molecules react in similar ways with different substances.

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Water

  • When alcohols are added to water, they dissolve to give neutral solutions.
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Sodium

  • When alcohols and sodium react together, hydrogen is produced.
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Oxidising agents

  • When alcohols react with a strong oxidising agent, a carboxylic acid is produced.
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Air (and heat)

  • When alcohols react with air (and heat), carbon dioxide and water are produced.
  • The equation for the complete combustion of methanol is:
    • 2CH3OH(l) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 4H2O(l)

Fermentation

Fermentation is a common method for producing ethanol. Ethanol is a key part of alcoholic drinks.

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Process

  • The process of fermentation involves adding yeast to a sugar solution. The resulting reaction gives:
    • An aqueous solution of ethanol.
    • Carbon dioxide.
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Conditions

  • The ideal conditions for the fermentation of sugar using yeast are:
    • A temperature of 37°C.
    • A solution that is slightly acidic.
    • In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic).

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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