Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, amines

1. Alcohols

  1. Alcohols are organic compounds with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.
  2. Common examples: Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (C2H5OH).
  3. Uses: Methanol is used as a solvent and fuel. Ethanol is used in beverages, sanitizers, and as a fuel additive.
  4. Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary based on the carbon to which the -OH group is attached.
  5. Reactions: Undergo oxidation to form aldehydes or ketones and esterification to form esters.

2. Aldehydes

  1. Aldehydes contain a carbonyl group (C=O) with at least one hydrogen attached to the carbon.
  2. Common examples: Formaldehyde (HCHO), Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO).
  3. Uses: Formaldehyde is used in resins, disinfectants, and embalming. Acetaldehyde is used in perfumes and as a chemical intermediate.
  4. Aldehydes are highly reactive and easily oxidized to carboxylic acids.
  5. Tests: Tollens’ test and Fehling’s test are used to identify aldehydes.

3. Ketones

  1. Ketones contain a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to two carbon atoms.
  2. Common example: Acetone (CH3COCH3).
  3. Uses: Acetone is used as an industrial solvent and in nail polish removers.
  4. Ketones do not undergo simple oxidation to carboxylic acids, unlike aldehydes.
  5. Reactions: Participate in nucleophilic addition and condensation reactions.

4. Carboxylic Acids

  1. Carboxylic acids have a carboxyl group (-COOH).
  2. Common examples: Formic acid (HCOOH), Acetic acid (CH3COOH).
  3. Uses: Acetic acid is used in vinegar and as a chemical reagent. Formic acid is used in leather tanning and as a preservative.
  4. Carboxylic acids are acidic due to the ease of proton donation from the carboxyl group.
  5. Reactions: Form esters in esterification and amides when reacted with amines.

5. Amines

  1. Amines are organic compounds containing an amino group (-NH2).
  2. Amines are classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary based on the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.
  3. Common examples: Methylamine (CH3NH2), Aniline (C6H5NH2).
  4. Uses: Amines are used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.
  5. Reactions: Amines are basic and react with acids to form salts.

6. Important Concepts and Reactions

  1. Substitution reactions: Common in alcohols and amines.
  2. Addition reactions: Seen in aldehydes and ketones.
  3. Oxidation: Alcohols oxidize to aldehydes, ketones, or acids.
  4. Esterification: Reaction of alcohols with acids to form esters.
  5. Amidation: Reaction of carboxylic acids with amines to form amides.

7. Applications in Daily Life

  1. Alcohols: Used as solvents, fuels, and disinfectants.
  2. Aldehydes: Found in fragrances and as chemical intermediates.
  3. Ketones: Used in industrial processes and as solvents.
  4. Carboxylic acids: Important in food preservation and industrial synthesis.
  5. Amines: Key components in pharmaceuticals and dyes.