Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Esters
alcohols - a homologous series of organic compounds
the general formula for alcohols is
all alcohols contain an -OH functional group
properties
they are flamable
undergo complete combustion in air to produce carbon dioxide and water
react with sodium with a product being hydrogen gas
alcohols can be oxidised by reacting with oxygen to produce a carboxylic acid
alcohols such as methanol and ethanol are used as solvents in industry as they can dissolve most things water can dissolve and ones water cant dissolve
they can also be used as fuels
fermentation
fermentation uses the enzyme in yeast to convert sugars into ethanol
happens at temperatures of around 37 degrees in slightly acidic and anaerobic conditions
carboxylic acids - a homologous series of compounds
contain the functional group -COOH
they react with carbonates to produce salt, water and carbon dioxide
they react with alcohols to make esters
they can dissolve in water
ethanoic acid is made when ethanol reacts with oxygen, smells like vinegar
they are all weak acids
esters have a functional group -COO
formed from an alcohol and carboxylic acid
an acidic catalyst is usually used e.g. sulfuric acid