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3: Alcohols, Ethers, Thiols, and Related Molecules

  • Page ID
    558569
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    • 3.1: Organic Compounds with Functional Groups
      This page explores functional groups in organic chemistry, emphasizing their role in determining the reactivity and properties of organic compounds. It defines functional groups as specific atom arrangements that influence chemical behavior, and offers a systematic overview of organic compound families categorized by common functional groups, particularly those with oxygen and nitrogen. Additionally, a table is included that lists different families, their general formulas, and suffixes.
    • 3.2: Alcohols - Nomenclature and Classification
      This page explains that alcohols are organic compounds identified by a hydroxyl (OH) group, classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on carbon attachment. They are named according to IUPAC rules, which modify the parent alkane name with the suffix -ol. It highlights the difference between common names and systematic IUPAC names, providing examples like methanol and ethanol. Understanding these principles is crucial for recognizing and naming alcohols in organic chemistry.
    • 3.3: Phenols
      This page discusses phenols, which are characterized by an OH group attached to an aromatic ring, making them slightly acidic. The notable phenol, C6H5OH, has antiseptic qualities but is toxic and can cause burns. Safer alternatives like 4-hexylresorcinol are now preferred for antiseptic use in products such as mouthwashes and skin preparations due to their effectiveness and lower side effects.
    • 3.4: Names and Properties of Ethers
    • 3.5: Thiols and Sulfides
      Thiols are organic compounds with a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, known for their foul smell. Sulfides have a sulfur atom bonded to two organic groups and are less odorous. Both are important in organic chemistry and have applications in various industries.
    • 3.6: Intermolecular Forces- The Forces that Hold Condensed Phases Together
      Molecules in liquids are held to other molecules by intermolecular interactions, which are weaker than the intramolecular interactions that hold molecules and polyatomic ions together. The three major types of intermolecular interactions are dipole–dipole interactions, London dispersion forces (these two are often referred to collectively as van der Waals forces), and hydrogen bonds.
    • 3.7: Properties of Alcohols and Phenols
      This page on LibreTexts describes the properties of alcohols and phenols, focusing on their structure, physical characteristics, acidity, and solubility. It explains how hydrogen bonding significantly influences boiling points and solubility, especially in small-chain alcohols. The page also highlights the slightly acidic nature of alcohols and the higher acidity of phenols, attributing this to resonance stabilization in the phenoxide ion. Additionally, the page discusses factors like molecular
    • 3.8: Reactions that Form Alcohols
      This page discusses the preparation of alcohols from alkenes via hydration processes, particularly focusing on methanol and ethanol. Methanol can be produced from hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide, while ethanol is obtained from ethylene or sugar fermentation. Both methanol and ethanol pose health risks; methanol is highly toxic and can result in blindness or death, and ethanol can impair respiratory control and cognitive functions.
    • 3.9: Nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions
      Nucleophilic substitution and elimination reaction mechanisms and examples of alcohols, ethers, amines, and thiols reactions are described. Effects of factors that affect these reactions and define the conditions of these mechanisms are described


    3: Alcohols, Ethers, Thiols, and Related Molecules is shared under a mixed license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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