Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Classification of Alcohols and Phenols

Alcohols and phenols are classified as monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or polyhydric depending on the number of hydroxyl groups attached. They are further classified based on the hybridization of the carbon atom to which the -OH group is bonded (sp3 for alcohols and sp2 for phenols).

Acidity of Phenols

Phenols are more acidic than alcohols and water because the phenoxide ion left after the release of a proton is stabilized through resonance with the benzene ring.

Preparation of Alcohols

Alcohols can be prepared industrially and in the laboratory by the hydration of alkenes, reduction of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids, and through the reaction of Grignard reagents with carbonyl compounds.

Reactions Involving Cleavage of O-H Bond

Alcohols and phenols act as weak acids, reacting with active metals like sodium to liberate hydrogen gas and forming alkoxides or phenoxides.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

An important laboratory method for the preparation of symmetrical and asymmetrical ethers by the reaction of an alkyl halide with a sodium alkoxide.