Alcohols key terms

fermentation

A biological process that converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide using yeast, typically occurring under anaerobic conditions.

hydration of ethene

A chemical reaction where ethene reacts with water in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce ethanol, typically occurring under high temperature and pressure.

combustion of alcohols

The chemical reaction where alcohols react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

ethanol combustion equation

The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) is C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O.

oxidation of alcohols

The process in which primary and secondary alcohols are converted into aldehydes and ketones, respectively, through the loss of hydrogen or the addition of oxygen.

primary alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom that is only connected to one other carbon atom.

elimination reaction

A reaction where a molecule loses atoms or groups of atoms, resulting in the formation of a double bond.

dehydration

The process of removing water from a compound, often used to convert alcohols into alkenes.

alcohol test

A procedure used to identify the presence of alcohols in a sample, often involving the use of specific reagents that react with the alcohol functional group.

functional group analysis

A method of identifying organic compounds based on the specific functional groups present, such as alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.