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Classification and Nomenclature of Alcohols
Concepts tested here
- General formula of alkanols
All Questions
2006 AIPMT-PRE 1 question
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The general molecular formula, which represents the homologous series of alkanols is :-Alkanols are saturated monohydric alcohols, obtained by replacing one hydrogen atom of an alkane by an OH group.
General formula of an alkane: $C_nH_{2n+2}$
General formula of an alkanol: $C_nH_{2n+1}OH$
Written as a molecular formula this is $C_nH_{2n+2}O$.
Examples: methanol $CH_4O$ ($n = 1$), ethanol $C_2H_6O$ ($n = 2$).
$C_nH_{2n}O$ represents aldehydes and ketones, and $C_nH_{2n}O_2$ represents carboxylic acids and esters.
So the general molecular formula of alkanols is $C_nH_{2n+2}O$.