Structural and Physical Properties of Alcohols

Draw the structures of the following alcohols (a) (S)-3-methyl-3-hexanol (b) trans-2-bromocyclopentanol (c) 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol (neopentyl alcohol). 

In common nomenclatnre, the name of the alkyl group is followed by the word alcohol, written separately. Common names are found in the older literature although it is best not to use them, we should be able to recognize them. 

In Summary Alcohols can be named as alkanols (lUPAC) or alkyl alcohols. In lUPAC nomenclature, the name is derived from the chain bearing the hydroxy group, whose position is given the lowest possible number. 

The hydroxy functional group strongly shapes the physical characteristics of the alcohols. It affects their molecular structure and allows them to enter into hydrogen bonding. As a result, it raises their boiling points and ino-eases their solubilities in water. 

The electronegativity of oxygen causes an unsymmetrical distribution of charge in alcohols. This effect polarizes the O-H bond so that the hydrogen has a partial positive charge and gives rise to a molecular dipole (Section 1-3), similar to that observed for water. 

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