A quick introductory look at the alcohols

2 marks · Hard

A student notices that the names of several compounds below all end in '-ol':

methanol, propanol, butanol

Explain what the suffix '-ol' shows about these compounds. Give a reason for your answer.

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.

Show answer

The suffix '-ol' shows that these compounds are alcohols because each one contains an -OH (hydroxyl) functional group.

Also accept: The '-ol' in the name indicates the compound is an alcohol with an -OH group.; '-ol' means the compound is an alcohol because it has an -OH group.

Common mistakes: Saying '-ol' means alkene or acid.; Not giving the reason for the classification.

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States that '-ol' shows the compound is an alcohol.

B2 · 1 mark · Gives a reason: specifies that the compound contains an -OH (hydroxyl) group.

Worked solution

The suffix '-ol' means the compound is an alcohol.

This is because alcohols all contain the -OH group, which the '-ol' indicates in their name.