Question detail
Which of the following is the first member of the alcohol homologous series?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only)
Question
- A. Ethanol
- B. Propanol
- C. Butanol
- D. Methanol
Answer
The correct option is Methanol.
Explanation
The correct option is Methanol. Methanol is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to describe what happens when any of the first four alcohols burn in air. This belongs to Alcohols within Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only), so the answer must use the correct organic chemistry context. The other options are incorrect when they confuse the organic family, formula type, reaction condition, product, or property being tested. Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alcohol Combustion Products
Students often think that the only product of alcohol combustion is carbon dioxide, ignoring water as a product.
Remember that when alcohols burn in air, they produce both carbon dioxide and water. Always write the balanced equation to include both products.
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