Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols feature a hydroxyl group attached to an alkyl group, while phenols feature a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring.
Chemical Properties
- Alcohols can participate in hydrogen bonding, significantly increasing boiling points and solubility.
- Phenols are more acidic than alcohols due to resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion.
- Oxidation of primary alcohols yields aldehydes then carboxylic acids.
Clinical Toxicity
- Methanol metabolism produces formaldehyde and formic acid, causing metabolic acidosis and blindness.
- Ethanol serves as both a CNS depressant and a substrate for hepatic oxidation.
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