Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols
14
Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols
Study Goals
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Classify alcohols as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
Name and write the condensed structural formulas for alcohols, phenols, and thiols.
Identify the uses of some alcohols and phenols.
Name and write the condensed structural formulas for ethers.
Describe the solubility in water, density, and boiling points of alcohols, phenols, and ethers.
Write equations for combustion, dehydration, and oxidation of alcohols.
Chapter Outline
14.1
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5
14.6
Structure and Classification of Alcohols
Naming Alcohols, Phenols, and Thiols
Some Important Alcohols and Phenols
Ethers
Health Note: Ethers as Anesthetics
Physical Properties of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Reactions of Alcohols
Explore Your World: Combustion of Alcohol
Health Note: Oxidation of Alcohol in the Body
Chapter Summary and Demonstrations
1. Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
The study of organic functional groups continues with alcohols, phenols, and ethers. Thiols are
introduced and related to the alcohols. The properties of alcohols and ethers are discussed including
hydrogen bonding, boiling points and solubility in water. IUPAC naming is given for each family of
oxygen- or sulfur-containing compounds. Where common names are still prevalent, they are given.
Demonstration: Look for names of alcohols, phenols, and thiols on the labels of products such as
mouthwash, antifreeze, rubbing alcohol, food flavorings, cosmetics, and hair spray.
2. Oxidation and Dehydration
The reactions in this chapter include oxidation and dehydration of alcohols and sulfhydryl groups. A
health topic discusses the oxidation of alcohol in the body.
Chapter 14
Laboratory Suggestions
24 Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary. Chemical testing with chromate allows
students to distinguish between the classes of alcohols. Chemical and physical properties of alcohols
and phenols are determined. Alcohols and phenol are oxidized with chromic acid and the structural
formulas of the oxidation products written. Using the same chemical tests, an unknown alcohol is
identified.
A. Structures of Alcohols and Phenol
B. Properties of Alcohols and Phenol
C. Oxidation of Alcohols
D. Ferric Chloride Test
E. Identification of Unknown
Laboratory Skills to Demonstrate
Proper technique for noting the odor of a substance in a test tube
Identification of a change in the orange color of chromic acid to green as an indication of the
occurrence of an oxidation reaction