Alcohols and Phenols Introduction

Hydroxy Derivatives

When one or more hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon are replaced by an equal number of hydroxyl groups (−OH group), the compound is called a hydroxy derivative.

The suffix −ol represents hydroxy derivatives.

Alcohols

Aliphatic (open-chained) hydroxy derivatives are called alcohols.

Phenols

In phenols, the hydroxyl group of a hydroxy derivative compound is directly attached to benzene.

Note

If the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon chain which is attached to an aromatic ring, the compound comes under the category of alcohols.

Applications

Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) and normal phenol (C₆H₅OH) are used as antiseptics. Some alcohols and phenols are used in the manufacture of perfumes and flavors. For more theory, please refer to your book or wikipedia.

Nomenclature of Alcohols and Phenols

Refer to nomenclature of OH derivatives. If you want to learn nomenclature from the very basics, refer to nomenclature introduction.