Chemical Properties of Glycerols
Hydroxy compounds are those compounds in which the hydroxy group, – OH is directly linked with the aliphatic or aromatic carbon.
These are compound containing one hydroxyl group. Their general formula is CnH2n+2O
Physical properties of monohydric alcohols
1. Character: Alcohols are neutral substances. These have no effect on litmus paper. This is analytical test for alcohols.
2. Physical State: The lower alcohols (upto C12) are colourless alcohol with characteristic smell and burning taste. The higher members with more than 12-carbon atoms are colourless and odourless solids.
3. Polar Character: Oxygen atom of the – OH group is more electronegative than both carbon and hydrogen. Thus the electron density near oxygen atom is slightly higher.
4. Solubility: The lower alcohols are miscible in water. Increase in carbon-chain increases organic part hence solubility in water decreases. Isomeric 1°, 2°, 3° alcohols have solubility in order 1°> 2°> 3°.
5. Boiling points: Due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding boiling points of alcohols are higher than hydrocarbon and ethers.
6. 1° alcohol > 2° alcohol > 3° alcohol
7. Density: Alcohols are lighter than water.
a. Density ∝ Molecular masses.
8. In toxicating effects: Methanol is poisonous and is not good for drinking purposes. It may cause blindness and even death. Ethanol is used for drinking purposes.
Uses of Ethanol:
(a) In alcoholic beverages,
(b) As a solvent in paints, varnishes, oils, perfumes etc.,
(c) In the preparation of chemical like chloroform, ether etc.,
(d) As a fuel in spirit lamps,
(e) As an antifreeze for automobile radiators,
(f) In the scientific apparatus like spirit levels,
(g) As power alcohol.
Uses of methanol:
(a) Methanol is an important industrial starting material for preparing formaldehyde, acetic acid and other chemicals.
(b) As a fuel (a petrol substitute). A 20% mixture of methyl alcohol and gasoline is a good motor fuel.
(c) As an antifreeze or automobile radiators.
(d) To denature ethyl alcohol. The mixture is called methylated spirit.
(e) In the preparation of dyes, medicines and perfumes. Methyl salicylate and methyl anthra anilate are used in perfumery.
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