Question

Name the functional group present in ${C_2}{H_5}OH$.

Answer 1

Hint: It contains the functional group which on oxidation gives us ketone. If we take this compound in the dry test tube and add a few drops of ceric ammonium nitrate reagent and shake them well. The red precipitates will be formed giving identification for this functional group.

Complete step by step solution: To check the functional group present in this molecule, first, let’s write its IUPAC name. The ${C_2}{H_5}OH$ has IUPAC name Ethanol or Ethyl alcohol. We have studied IUPAC Nomenclature and from that, we know that the word Eth means the presence of two carbon units and the word ‘ol’ is used for alcohol when the functional group -OH is present.
So, here we have the -OH functional group present in this molecule.

Additional Information: The ${C_2}{H_5}OH$ is also called grain alcohol, drinking alcohol or spirits. Ethanol is volatile and flammable. It is a colourless liquid having odour. This can also be written as $C{H_3}C{H_2}OH$. It has the property of hydrogen bonding resulting in hygroscopic nature. The alcohol group in ethanol provides its polar nature which causes ethanol to dissolve many ionic compounds. The hydrocarbon part in ethanol provides its non-polar nature. As a result, it is possible for it to dissolve non-polar substances as well.

Note: In alcohol and carboxylic acids, both the molecules have -OH bonded with Carbon atom but this must not be confused because in alcohol only -OH is bonded to that carbon atom while in acids, one more Oxygen atom is bonded to same carbon atom.