Ethanol and spectroscopy [GCSE Chemistry only]Alcohols

Ethanol, methanol and propanol are types of alcohol. They are used as fuel and solvents, and ethanol is also found in alcoholic drinks. Also featured is infrared spectroscopy for higher tier students.

Part ofChemistry (Single Science)Crude oil, fuels and organic chemistry

Alcohols

The alcohols are a of with the general formula:

CnH2n+1OH

They all contain the –OH, which is responsible for the properties of alcohols.

The names of alcohols end with ‘ol’, eg ethanol.

The first three alcohols in the homologous series are methanol, ethanol and propanol. They are highly , making them useful as fuels. They are also used as in marker pens, medicines, and cosmetics (such as deodorants and perfumes).

Ethanol is the alcohol found in alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer. Ethanol is mixed with petrol for use as a fuel.

Woman filling her car from a biofuel pump

Here are the names and structures of the simplest alcohols:

Table showing the number of carbon atoms, the molecular formula and displayed formula of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, butan-1-ol and butan-2-ol.