Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols: Functional Groups and Differences Explained

1. What is the functional group found in alcohols and what is its name?

a. Hydroxyl (-OH) group

b. Carbonyl (-CO) group

Answer:

The functional group found in alcohols is the hydroxyl (-OH) group.

Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom. This hydroxyl group is responsible for the characteristic properties of alcohols.

The hydroxyl group is a key defining feature of alcohols and plays a significant role in their chemical behavior.

2. What is the difference between primary and secondary alcohols?

Answer:

Primary alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom, while secondary alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Primary alcohols have a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom, whereas secondary alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms.

The distinction between primary and secondary alcohols lies in the number of carbon atoms directly attached to the carbon atom carrying the hydroxyl group, which influences their reactivity and physical properties.