A quick introductory look at the alcohols

4 marks · Normal

This question is about the naming of alcohols.

(a)

State the suffix that is used in the names of alcohols.

[1 mark]

(b)

Explain, with an example, how the suffix you named in part (a) is used to identify an alcohol.

[3 marks]

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

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(a) -ol

(b) The suffix '-ol' is added to the name of the hydrocarbon chain to show the compound is an alcohol. For example, if an alcohol is made from ethane by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl (–OH) group, it is called ethanol.

Common mistakes: Giving 'ane' or 'ene' instead of 'ol' as the suffix; Providing an example with a non-alcohol compound; Omitting explanation of how the suffix shows the functional group

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · States the correct suffix: '-ol'.

M1 (b) · 1 mark · Explains that the '-ol' suffix is added to the hydrocarbon chain name to identify alcohols.

M2 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a correct example of an alcohol named with '-ol', such as methanol or ethanol.

A1 (b) · 1 mark · Links the use of '-ol' in the name to showing the presence of the –OH group in an alcohol (e.g., 'ethanol is ethane with an –OH group, so it is named with the suffix -ol').

Worked solution

a) The suffix used in the names of alcohols is '-ol'.

b) The suffix '-ol' is added to the name of the hydrocarbon to show that the molecule is an alcohol. For example, when one hydrogen atom in ethane is replaced by an –OH group, the compound is called ethanol.