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Reactions of Alcohols

Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.2.7

Reactions of Alcohols

Alcohol molecules react in similar ways with different substances.

Water

Water

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

Sodium

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

Oxidising agents

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

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)

Test yourself on Reactions of Alcohols

  • Select the correct statement about how alcohols react with air and heat.

  • What is produced when alcohols react with sodium?

  • How does the product formed when alcohols react with a strong oxidising agent differ from the product formed when alcohols burn in air and heat?

  • How does dissolving an alcohol in water differ from reacting an alcohol with sodium?

  • How does dissolving an alcohol in water differ from reacting it with a strong oxidising agent?

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