IGCSE Chemistry Specification

Edexcel 4CH1

Section 4: (e) Alcohols

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#4.29C

know that alcohols contain the functional group −OH

#4.30C

understand how to draw structural and displayed formulae for methanol, ethanol, propanol (propan-1-ol only) and butanol (butan-1-ol only), and name each compound

the names propanol and butanol are acceptable

#4.31C

know that ethanol can be oxidised by:

- burning in air or oxygen (complete combustion)
- reaction with oxygen in the air to form ethanoic acid (microbial oxidation)
- heating with potassium dichromate (VI) in dilute sulfuric acid to form ethanoic acid

#4.32C

know that ethanol can be manufactured by:

- reacting ethene with steam in the presence of a phosphoric acid catalyst at a temperature of about 300ºC and a pressure of about 60–70atm
- the fermentation of glucose, in the absence of air, at an optimum temperature of about 30ºC and using the enzymes in yeast

#4.33C

understand the reasons for fermentation, in the absence of air, and at an optimum temperature