Barrons SAT Subject Test Chemistry, 13th Edition

Alcohol’s functional group is R–OH. A hydroxyl group is attached to an alkyl stem.

■ Methanol

Methanol is the simplest alcohol. Its structure is

PROPERTIES AND USES. Methanol is a colorless, flammable liquid with a boiling
point of 65°C. It is miscible with water, is exceedingly poisonous, and can cause
blindness if taken internally. It can be used as a fuel, as a solvent, and as a
denaturant to make ethyl alcohol, unsuitable for drinking.

■ Ethanol

Ethanol is the best known and most used alcohol. Its structure is

Its common names are ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol.

PROPERTIES AND USES. Ethanol is a colorless, flammable liquid with a boiling
point of 78°C. It is miscible with water and is a good solvent for a wide variety
of substances (these solutions are often referred to as “tinctures”). It can be used
as an antifreeze because of its low freezing point, −115°C, and for making
acetaldehyde and ether. It is presently used in gasoline as an alternative to reduce
the use of petroleum.

Other Alcohols

Isomeric alcohols have similar formulas but different properties because of their
differences in structure. If the —OH is attached to an end carbon, the alcohol is
called a primary alcohol. If attached to a “middle” carbon, it is called a
secondary alcohol. Some examples: