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Read the summary provided on page 659 of Organic Chemistry, 8th ed. The chemistry of alcohols and phenols is quite “rich” in the sense that these compounds can be synthesized in a variety of ways, and once formed, they can undergo a large number of reactions. Oxidation and reduction are important processes in organic chemistry. In this unit, we have dealt with both of these topics as they relate to the chemistry of alcohols. We have also seen the usefulness of Grignard reagents in the preparation of alcohols; Grignard reagents were described in Chemistry 350, but it is only now that we can begin to appreciate their versatility. Spectroscopic techniques can be used to advantage in the analysis of alcohols and phenols, and this aspect of alcohol chemistry has been discussed. The reactions studied in this unit are summarized at the end of the chapter (pages 659-661 of Organic Chemistry, 8th ed.); however, an important addition to this list is the reaction of a Grignard reagent with ethylene oxide (see Figure 17.1 in this Study Guide).

Contributors

Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl FCIC (Professor of Chemistry, Athabasca University)