ORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site alcohol An aliphatic organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (–OH) attached to a carbon atom in a hydrocarbon chain, i.e., has the general formula ROH. Alcohols occur widely in nature, and are used as solvents in lacquers and varnishes, in antifreezes, and in chemical manufacture, for example of dyes and perfumes. They are obtained by fermentation, oxidation, and hydration of alkenes from petroleum and natural gas, and by reduction of fats and oils. The simplest alcohols are methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH). Primary alcohols have two hydrogen atoms on the carbon attached to the –OH, secondary alcohols have only one hydrogen on this carbon atom, and tertiary alcohols have none. Certain reactions can be used to differentiate between these different types. For example, potassium dichromate (IV) in sulfuric acid oxidizes a primary alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde, and a secondary alcohol to its corresponding ketone; however, with a tertiary alcohol there is no reaction. Alcohols are also classified as monohydric, dihydric, etc., according to the number of hydroxyl groups. If an alcohol has two –OH groups in its molecule, it is called a diol. If it has three, it is a triol, and so on. When alcohols react with alkyl halides, such as methyl bromide (CH3Br), esters are produced. When alcohols are dehydrated, the products are alkenes or ethers. Related category    • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP