Alcohols

• Alcohols?are a family of molecules that contain the?hydroxyl functional group,?-OH
• Their general formula is ?C_nH_2n+1OH
• The nomenclature of alcohols follows the pattern?alkan + ol
• If there are two?-OH?groups present the molecule is called a?diol

The first four Alcohols and their Structures Table

Classification of alcohols

• Alcohols are classified as?primary, secondary?or?tertiary?depending on the number of carbons attached to the?functional group?carbon
• This is covered in detail in Section 10.1.11

Ethers

• Ethers?are a family of molecules that contain the?ether?functional group,?R-O-R, where?R?is an?alkyl group
• Their general formula is ?C_nH_2n+2O?
• The nomenclature of ether follows the pattern?alkoxy + alkane
• Sometimes you will see an older nomenclature for?ethers?where each?R?group is given an?alkyl?name
  • For Example:?CH₃OCH₃?is dimethyl ether and?C₂H₅OCH_3?is ethyl methyl ether
• Ethers?are?functional group isomers?of alcohols

Ethers are useful substances