Alcohols — AQA A-Level Study Guide

Overview

Alcohols are a crucial homologous series in organic chemistry, characterised by the presence of the hydroxyl (–OH) functional group. This topic bridges the gap between basic hydrocarbons and more complex organic molecules like aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Examiners frequently test this area because it requires candidates to recall specific reaction conditions and apply their knowledge of mechanisms.

Understanding alcohols is not just about memorising equations; it's about recognising how the structure of the alcohol dictates its chemical behaviour. You will need to confidently classify alcohols as primary, secondary, or tertiary, and predict their oxidation products. This topic also introduces the debate around biofuels, testing your ability to evaluate the environmental impact of chemical processes. Expect a mix of short-answer recall questions, mechanism drawing, and longer evaluation questions comparing production methods.

Key Concepts