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Karnataka Board PUCPUC Science 2nd PUC Class 12

Chemical Properties of Alcohols and Phenols

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Estimated time: 6 minutes
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Definition: Esterification

Alcohols and phenols form esters by reaction with carboxylic acid, acid halides and acid anhydrides. This reaction is called esterification.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Key Points: Chemical Properties of Alcohols and Phenols

  • Litmus Test — Aqueous alcohols are neutral to litmus, while aqueous phenols turn blue litmus red, confirming the acidic character of phenols.
  • Reaction with Bases — Phenols react with NaOH to form water-soluble sodium phenoxide (regenerated on acidification with HCl) but do not react with NaHCO₃, since phenol is a weak acid.
  • Esterification — Alcohols/phenols react with carboxylic acids (conc. H₂SO₄ catalyst), acid anhydrides (H⁺ catalyst), or acid chlorides (in pyridine) to form esters; Aspirin is the acetyl derivative of salicylic acid formed using acetic anhydride.
  • Reactivity with Hydrogen Halides — Order of alcohol reactivity: 3° > 2° > 1°; order of HX reactivity: HI > HBr > HCl (HCl needs anhydrous ZnCl₂ catalyst).
  • Oxidation of Alcohols — 1° alcohol → aldehyde (with PCC, best reagent) → further to carboxylic acid (with KMnO₄/K₂Cr₂O₇/HNO₃); 2° alcohol → ketone (with CrO₃); 3° alcohols resist oxidation and break C–C bonds only at high temperature.

Video Tutorials

We have provided more than 1 series of video tutorials for some topics to help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Series 1


Series 2


Shaalaa.com | Alcohol, Phenol and Ether part 13 (Alcohol Chemical Properties)

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Alcohol, Phenol and Ether part 13 (Alcohol Chemical Properties) [00:27:35]
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