Alcohols Phenols And Ethers

Conc. is an excellent dehydrating agent. Upon reaction with an alcohol it forms an alkene and water molecule is given out. First step involves protonation of alcohol.

Which on dehydration forms carbonium ion.

Lucas test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol. This test is based upon relative reactivites of various alcohols towards conc. in presence of (Lucas reagent). * If cloudiness appears immediately, tertiary alcohol is indicated. * If cloudiness appears within five minutes, secondary alcohol is indicated. * If cloudiness appears only upon heating primary alcohol is indicated. Besides this Victor Meyer test is also used to differentiate between and alcohol.

Two or more compounds having the same molecular formula but different physical or chemical properties are called isomers.

Functional isomers are compounds having same molecular formula or general formula but different functional group and different physical and chemical properties. e.g., : Alcohols and ethers Aldehydes and ketones Acids and esters

From Williamson's synthesis, both symmetrical and asymmetrical ethers can be prepared e.g., For synthesis of symmetrical ethers For synthesis of asymmetrical ethers