4.29. Handle with care
The alcohols are another homologous series like the alkanes and the alkenes. Alcohols contain a functional group made up of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom.
Ethanol is one member of the alcohol series. This is the alcohol in alcoholic drinks. Alcohols are good at dissolving things and are therefore sometimes used as solvents. Alcohols will also burn well and can therefore be used as fuels.
Assumed background knowledge:
4.29 - 4.30 Activity 1. Meeting "OL"
Students should:
- 4.29C know that alcohols contain the functional group −OH
- 4.30C understand how to draw structural and displayed formulae and name methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol
The functional group in an alcohol is the -OH group. This group gives the suffix "ol" to the name of the alcohol. The prefix used is the same as usd for the alkanes ; methan.., ethan.. , propan..., butan.. etc.
4.31 Activity 2. Oxidising ethanol - three ways.
4.32C Activity 3. Making ethanol - two ways
Students should:
- 4.32C know that ethanol can be manufactured by one of two methods involving:
Watch the video and read the information in each of the tabs and use it to complete the summary table:
4.33C Activity 4. Optimium conditions
Students should:
- 4.33C understand the reasons for fermentation, in the absence of air, and at an optimum temperature