Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols and phenols are formed when a hydrogen atom in hydrocarbon, aliphatic and aromatic respectively, is replaced by hydroxyl group(-OR group).
Classification of Alcohols and Phenols
In alcohols,-OR group is attached to Sp3 hybridised carbon. These alcohols are usually classified as primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.
Alcohols may be( i) monohydric-containing one – OR group,
( ii) dihydric-containing two – OR groups and( iii) polyhydric-containing three or more-OR groups.
In phenols,-OR group is attached to Sp 2 hybridised carbon. These may also be monohydric, dihydric, etc. The dihydric phenol further rosy be ortho, meta’ or para derivative.