List the products of each alcohol reaction. d.

Key Concepts

Alcohols and Their Functional Groups

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups. This functional group is responsible for the unique properties of alcohols, including their ability to engage in hydrogen bonding, which affects their boiling points and solubility. Understanding the structure of alcohols is crucial for predicting their reactivity in chemical reactions.

Substitution Reactions

Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group in a molecule with another atom or group. In the context of alcohols reacting with sodium, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by a sodium ion (Na+), resulting in the formation of an alkoxide ion. This type of reaction is fundamental in organic chemistry, as it helps in the synthesis of various compounds.

Reactivity of Sodium with Alcohols

Sodium reacts vigorously with alcohols, leading to the formation of alkoxides and the release of hydrogen gas. This reaction is an example of a metal reacting with an alcohol, where sodium donates an electron to the hydroxyl group, facilitating the substitution. Understanding this reactivity is essential for predicting the products of alcohol reactions and their applications in organic synthesis.