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The names and formulae of the first three alcohols in the homologous series of alcohols are given in the table - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 1
The names and formulae of the first three alcohols in the homologous series of alcohols are given in the table. | name of alcohol | formula | |-----------------|-... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The names and formulae of the first three alcohols in the homologous series of alcohols are given in the table - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Predict the formula of a molecule of pentanol.
Answer
Pentanol has five carbon atoms in its molecular structure. Following the pattern of the alcohol homologous series, the general formula for alcohols can be expressed as CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. For pentanol, where n = 5, the formula becomes:
Thus, the formula of pentanol is C₅H₁₁OH.
Step 2
Draw the structure of a molecule of ethanol, C₂H₅OH, showing all the bonds.
Answer
The structure of ethanol can be represented as follows:
H H
| |
H - C - C - O - H
| |
H H
In the structure:
- Each line represents a covalent bond.
- The oxygen atom (O) is bonded to both a hydrogen (H) and the carbon (C) from the chain.
- The two carbon atoms (C) are connected by a single bond.