Alcohol: An organic compound containing the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group, with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. Examples: methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol. Named with the suffix "-anol".
Functional group: An atom or group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions. The -OH group is the functional group of alcohols.
Fermentation: The process by which yeast enzymes convert glucose (sugar) into ethanol and carbon dioxide, under anaerobic conditions at around 25-35°C.
Hydration: The addition of water (steam) across a double bond. In the industrial production of ethanol, ethene reacts with steam using a phosphoric acid catalyst at 300°C and 70 atm.
This definitions covers Key Definitions within Alcohols for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Alcohols in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Practice questions for Alcohols
What is the functional group present in all alcohols?
Explain what happens when ethanol reacts with sodium metal. Include a balanced equation in your answer.