Alcohols
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.6.1
Alcohols
The names of the alcohols all end in -ol. Alcohols have the following features:
Functional group
- The functional group of alcohols is a hydroxyl group (-OH).
General formula
- The general formula for the homologous series of alcohols is CnH2n+1OH.
Homologous series
- All members of a homologous series react in a similar way because their molecules contain the same functional group.
- For example, ethanoic acid and butanoic acid react similarly with metals.
Test yourself on Alcohols
What is the functional group of alcohols?
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What is the functional group of alcohols?