Classifying Alcohols (Edexcel A Level Chemistry) : Revision Note

Classifying Alcohols

• Alcohols are a family of molecules that contain the hydroxyl functional group, -OH

• Their general formula is  C_nH_2n+1OH

• The nomenclature of alcohols follows the pattern alkan + ol

• If there are two -OH groups present the molecule is called a diol

The first four Alcohols and their Structures Table

• Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on the number of carbons attached to the functional group carbon

  • Primary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to one other carbon atom (or alkyl group)

  • Secondary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to two other carbon atoms (or alkyl groups)

  • Tertiary alcohols are alcohols in which the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group is attached to three other carbon atoms (or alkyl groups)

Classifying primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols and alcohols with more than one alcohol group