Alcohols
Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) · Unit 32: Carbonyl compounds (A Level) · 6 flashcards
Alcohols is topic 32.1 in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus , positioned in Unit 32 — Carbonyl compounds (A Level) , alongside Phenol. In one line: Alcohols react with acyl chlorides in a condensation reaction to form an ester and HCl. This reaction is typically vigorous and exothermic.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 6 flashcards — 3 definitions and 3 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 3 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
What type of reaction occurs between an alcohol and an acyl chloride
Alcohols react with acyl chlorides in a condensation reaction to form an ester and HCl. This reaction is typically vigorous and exothermic.
What the Cambridge 9701 syllabus says
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- describe the reaction with acyl chlorides to form esters using ethyl ethanoate
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9701 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Alcohols
- › Only primary and secondary alcohols react with acidified potassium dichromate(VI); alkenes, ketones, and tertiary alcohols do not.
- › Construct balanced half-equations to determine electron transfer; remember one mole of dichromate(VI) ions gains six moles of electrons.
- › Always check for chiral centers in isomerism questions; for instance, 2-methylbutanal has two optical isomers.
- › Ensure the molecule contains the -CH(OH)CH3 or -COCH3 group at both ends to produce a dicarboxylic acid via the iodoform reaction.
- › Draw the displayed formula of the ethanol product and label the specific hydrogen isotopes on the -CH2OH group to track their movement correctly.
What type of reaction occurs between an alcohol and an acyl chloride?
Alcohols react with acyl chlorides in a condensation reaction to form an ester and HCl. This reaction is typically vigorous and exothermic.
Write the general equation for the reaction of an alcohol (R-OH) with an acyl chloride (R'-COCl).
R-OH + R'-COCl → R'-COOR + HCl. This general equation represents the esterification reaction, where R and R' are alkyl groups.
Name the organic product formed when ethanol reacts with ethanoyl chloride.
The organic product is ethyl ethanoate, which is an ester. It has the formula CH₃COOCH₂CH₃.
Why is the reaction between an alcohol and an acyl chloride preferred over an alcohol and a carboxylic acid for ester synthesis in the lab?
Acyl chlorides are more reactive than carboxylic acids, thus the reaction proceeds more readily and usually gives a higher yield of the ester product under milder conditions, without requiring a catalyst.
Describe the role of the lone pair on the alcohol oxygen in the reaction mechanism with an acyl chloride.
The lone pair on the oxygen atom of the alcohol acts as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of the acyl chloride. This initiates the reaction, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.
What other product besides the ester is generated when an alcohol reacts with an acyl chloride?
Hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas is also produced. This byproduct can be detected by bubbling the gas into water, where it will produce an acidic solution that turns blue litmus paper red.
More Chemistry flashcards
Browse every 9701 flashcard topic by syllabus area.
All Chemistry FlashcardsMore topics in Unit 32 — Carbonyl compounds (A Level)
Alcohols sits alongside these A-Level Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Alcohols deck
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