Conclusion

Alcohols are a particular favorite of the MCAT testmakers. We got our first look at the unique
properties that stem from hydrogen bonding, an important ability of alcohols. Alcohols can be
oxidized to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids depending on the substitution of the alcohol and
the strength of the oxidizing agent. From this point forward, oxidation and reduction will be
important reactions with all functional groups. Alcohols can also participate in nucleophilic
substitution reactions, which may be facilitated by converting the alcohol into a mesylate or
tosylate. Finally, phenols (and their oxidized counterparts, quinones and hydroxyquinones) are
involved in a number of biochemical pathways. In particular, their utility is seen in processes that
require rapid oxidation and reduction, such as photosynthesis and the electron transport chain.

Over the next four chapters, we’ll explore other oxygen-containing compounds. Recognize that
these chapters are put in a specific order: as you move further along in MCAT Organic Chemistry
Review, the functional groups will become more oxidized and more reactive. First, we’ll look at
aldehydes and ketones (and their deprotonated forms, enols and enolates). Then, we’ll explore
carboxylic acids and their derivatives: amides, esters, and anhydrides.