Alcohols
High School
Definition
Organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (–OH) bonded to a carbon atom. The –OH group makes alcohols more soluble in water and reactive; ethanol, found in alcoholic drinks and fuels, is a common example.
Worked examples
\(\)CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)OH\(\) (ethanol) has a hydroxyl group (–OH) attached to a carbon chain.
The –OH group bonded to carbon makes this molecule an alcohol.
Methanol \(\)CH\(_3\)OH\(\) dissolves readily in water because the –OH group forms hydrogen bonds.
The hydroxyl group increases water solubility compared to hydrocarbons.
Common mistakes
- Confusing alcohols with alkanes because both contain carbon and hydrogen → Alcohols have a hydroxyl (–OH) group; alkanes contain only C–H and C–C bonds The –OH functional group defines alcohols and gives them different properties from alkanes.
- Thinking the –OH in alcohols can dissociate like a base (OH⁻) → The –OH group in alcohols is covalently bonded to carbon and does not release OH⁻ ions Alcohols are neutral or very weakly acidic, not basic like hydroxide ions.
- Writing the hydroxyl group as H–O– instead of –OH when drawing structures → The oxygen bonds to the carbon, so write it as C–OH, not C–HO The oxygen atom is the attachment point to the carbon chain.
Where you'll use it next
You'll encounter alcohols when studying organic reaction mechanisms, naming IUPAC compounds, and exploring fermentation and biofuels in biochemistry and environmental science.
Found in 1 StudyPug lesson
Understanding Alcohols: Key Compounds in Organic Chemistry
11th Grade11thChemistry 11
Dive into the world of alcohols, essential organic compounds with unique properties. Learn their structure, classification, and significance in chemical reactions and industrial applications.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026