The general formula for alcohol is CnH2n+1OH, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms.
Here's a breakdown of the formula and what it represents:
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Cn: This part signifies a chain of 'n' carbon atoms. For example, if n=1, it represents one carbon atom (C1), if n=2, it represents two carbon atoms (C2), and so on.
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H2n+1: This part indicates the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain. The number of hydrogen atoms is calculated by multiplying the number of carbon atoms (n) by 2 and then adding 1.
-
OH: This is the hydroxyl group, which is the functional group that defines an alcohol. The presence of the -OH group attached to a carbon atom distinguishes an alcohol from other organic compounds.
In simpler terms, the formula shows that an alcohol is essentially a hydrocarbon (a compound made of hydrogen and carbon) where one of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by a hydroxyl (-OH) group.
Examples of Alcohols and Their Formulas:
| Alcohol Name | n | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Methanol | 1 | CH3OH |
| Ethanol | 2 | C2H5OH |
| Propanol | 3 | C3H7OH |
| Butanol | 4 | C4H9OH |
Important Considerations:
- This formula applies to monohydric alcohols, meaning alcohols with only one -OH group.
- The 'n' value must be a whole number greater than or equal to 1.
- The placement of the -OH group on the carbon chain can result in different structural isomers (e.g., 1-propanol and 2-propanol). The general formula doesn't differentiate between these isomers.
