Introduction
Alkanols (or alcohols) are a homologous series of organic compounds with the general formula CnH2n+1OH or simply ROH. Their molecules consist of a functional group — the hydroxyl group (—OH) joined to an alkyl group (R—). They can be used to fuel cars as they are flammable. Unlike alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, alkanols are not hydrocarbons as, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, they contain oxygen atoms.
The two simplest alkanols are methanol and ethanol.
Other members of the alkanol family:
| Name | Molecular Formula | Shortened structural formula |
| Methanol | CH3OH | CH3OH |
| Ethanol | C2H5OH | CH3CH2OH |
| Propanol | C3H7OH | CH3CH2CH2OH |
| Butanol | C4H9OH | CH3CH2CH2CH2OH |
| Pentanol | C5H11OH | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH |
Classification of Alkanols
In naming the alkanols, the position of the hydroxyl group is given from the number of the carbon nearest it. The isomers of alcohols are numerous but they all fall into one of three groups Primary, Secondary or Tertiary.
A primary alcohol is one that contains two hydrogen atoms and one alkyl group bonded to the carbon atom that contains the alcohol group.
A secondary alcohol is one that contains one hydrogen atom and two alkyl groups bonded to the carbon atom containing the alcohol group.
A tertiary alcohol is one that contains three alkyl groups and no hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom containing the alcohol group…
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