1 Properties of alcohols and combustion

The alcohols have relatively low volatility due to their ability to form hydrogen bond between alcohol molecules. Uses of alcohols Ethanol is ‘alcohol’ in alcoholic drinks. Ethanol is commonly used as a solvent in the form of methylated spirits. Methanol is used as a petrol additive to improve combustion and is increasing important as a feedstock in the production of organic chemicals; General formula alcohols CnH2n+1OH Classifying Alcohols C O H H H C H H C H H H C H H C H C H H H O H H C C H C H H H H H C H H O H H Propan-1-ol Primary Tertiary alcohols are alcohols where 3 carbon are attached to the carbon adjoining the oxygen Propan-2-ol Secondary methylpropan-2-ol Tertiary Primary alcohols are alcohols where 1 carbon is attached to the carbon adjoining the oxygen Secondary alcohols are alcohols where 2 carbon are attached to the carbon adjoining the oxygen Reactions of alcohols Complete Combustion CH3CH2OH (l) + 3 O2 (g)  2CO2 (g) + 3 H2O(l) The products of complete combustion are CO2 and H2O. In excess oxygen alcohols will burn with complete combustion. The smaller alcohols (up to 3 carbons) are soluble in water because they can form hydrogen bonds with water. The longer the hydrocarbon chain the less soluble the alcohol.