Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Classification and Nomenclature

Alcohols and phenols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups they contain (monohydric, dihydric, etc.) and the hybridization of the carbon bonded to the -OH group. IUPAC naming follows standard rules where alcohols use the suffix '-ol' and phenols are named as derivatives of benzene.

Acidity of Phenols vs Alcohols

Phenols are more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion left after losing a proton is stabilized by resonance, unlike the alkoxide ion. Electron-withdrawing groups increase phenol acidity, while electron-donating groups decrease it.

Preparation of Alcohols

Alcohols are commonly prepared by the hydration of alkenes, reduction of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters, and through the reaction of Grignard reagents with carbonyl compounds.

Reactions Involving Cleavage of O-H Bond

Alcohols and phenols react with active metals like sodium to liberate hydrogen gas, demonstrating their acidic nature. Phenols also react with neutral ferric chloride solution to form colored complexes, which is used as a test for phenols.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

An important laboratory method for preparing symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers by the reaction of an alkyl halide with a sodium alkoxide via an SN2 mechanism.