1. Alcohols
- Alcohols are organic compounds with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.
- Common examples: Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (C2H5OH).
- Uses: Methanol is used as a solvent and fuel. Ethanol is used in beverages, sanitizers, and as a fuel additive.
- Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary based on the carbon to which the -OH group is attached.
- Reactions: Undergo oxidation to form aldehydes or ketones and esterification to form esters.
2. Aldehydes
- Aldehydes contain a carbonyl group (C=O) with at least one hydrogen attached to the carbon.
- Common examples: Formaldehyde (HCHO), Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO).
- Uses: Formaldehyde is used in resins, disinfectants, and embalming. Acetaldehyde is used in perfumes and as a chemical intermediate.
- Aldehydes are highly reactive and easily oxidized to carboxylic acids.
- Tests: Tollens’ test and Fehling’s test are used to identify aldehydes.
3. Ketones
- Ketones contain a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to two carbon atoms.
- Common example: Acetone (CH3COCH3).
- Uses: Acetone is used as an industrial solvent and in nail polish removers.
- Ketones do not undergo simple oxidation to carboxylic acids, unlike aldehydes.
- Reactions: Participate in nucleophilic addition and condensation reactions.
4. Carboxylic Acids
- Carboxylic acids have a carboxyl group (-COOH).
- Common examples: Formic acid (HCOOH), Acetic acid (CH3COOH).
- Uses: Acetic acid is used in vinegar and as a chemical reagent. Formic acid is used in leather tanning and as a preservative.
- Carboxylic acids are acidic due to the ease of proton donation from the carboxyl group.
- Reactions: Form esters in esterification and amides when reacted with amines.
5. Amines
- Amines are organic compounds containing an amino group (-NH2).
- Amines are classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary based on the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.
- Common examples: Methylamine (CH3NH2), Aniline (C6H5NH2).
- Uses: Amines are used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.
- Reactions: Amines are basic and react with acids to form salts.
6. Important Concepts and Reactions
- Substitution reactions: Common in alcohols and amines.
- Addition reactions: Seen in aldehydes and ketones.
- Oxidation: Alcohols oxidize to aldehydes, ketones, or acids.
- Esterification: Reaction of alcohols with acids to form esters.
- Amidation: Reaction of carboxylic acids with amines to form amides.
7. Applications in Daily Life
- Alcohols: Used as solvents, fuels, and disinfectants.
- Aldehydes: Found in fragrances and as chemical intermediates.
- Ketones: Used in industrial processes and as solvents.
- Carboxylic acids: Important in food preservation and industrial synthesis.
- Amines: Key components in pharmaceuticals and dyes.