Classification of Alcohols and Phenols

− Classification of Alcohols
On the basis of type of chain

Aliphatic alcohols

When the hydroxyl group (-OH group) of an alcohol is attached to an aliphatic carbon chain (open chain), the alcohol is called an aliphatic alcohol.

Aromatic alcohols

When the hydroxyl group is attached to the carbon chain which is attached to an aromatic ring, the alcohol is known as aromatic alcohol.

−Classification of Alcohols
On the basis of number of hydroxyl groups present

Monohydric, dihydric, trihydric and polyhydric alcohols contain 1, 2, 3 and many alcohols respectively.

−Classification of Alocohols
As primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols

If the hydroxyl group is attached to a primary carbon, it is called primary alcohol. Similarly, secondary and tertiary alcohols are attached to secondary and tertiary carbons respectively.

Classification of Phenols

Phenols are classified as monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, polyhydric etc.

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