Alcohols and phenols are classified as mono–, di–, tri-, or polyhydric compounds based on whether they contain one, two, three, or many hydroxyl groups, respectively.
How are alcohols and phenols classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups they contain?
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Alcohols and phenols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups they contain. Monohydric alcohols and phenols have a single hydroxyl group per molecule, such as ethanol and phenol. When there are two hydroxyl groups, the compounds are classified as dihydric alcohols or phenols, exemplified by ethylene glycol and catechol. Similarly, trihydric alcohols or phenols contain three hydroxyl groups, like glycerol. This classification is essential as it reflects the chemical and functional diversity of these compounds, influencing their properties, reactivity, and applications in various fields, including industry and organic synthesis.
Alcohols and phenols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl (OH) groups they contain. The number of hydroxyl groups determines whether they are classified as monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or polyhydric compounds.
Monohydric Alcohols and Phenols:
Monohydric Alcohols: These contain one hydroxyl group per molecule. Examples include methanol (CH₃OH) and ethanol (C₂H₅OH).
Monohydric Phenols: These also contain one hydroxyl group per molecule but are specifically associated with an aromatic ring. Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is an example of a monohydric phenol.
Dihydric Alcohols and Phenols:
Dihydric Alcohols: These have two hydroxyl groups in their molecular structure. An example is ethylene glycol (HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH).
Dihydric Phenols: These have two hydroxyl groups and an aromatic ring in their structure. Resorcinol (C₆H₄(OH)₂) is an example of a dihydric phenol.
Trihydric Alcohols:
Trihydric alcohols contain three hydroxyl groups. Glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) is a common example (HO-CH₂-CHOH-CH₂-OH).
Polyhydric Alcohols and Phenols:
Alcohols or phenols with more than three hydroxyl groups are classified as polyhydric. An example of a polyhydric alcohol is pentaerythritol, which contains four hydroxyl groups (CHOH)₄.
In summary, the classification is based on the number of hydroxyl groups present in the molecule, ranging from monohydric to polyhydric compounds.
Alcohols and phenols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups they contain. They may be categorized as mono-, di-, tri-, or polyhydric compounds, depending on whether they have one, two, three, or multiple hydroxyl groups, respectively. In monoalcohols or monophenols, a single hydroxyl group is present. Diols or diphenols have two hydroxyl groups, and triols or triphenols contain three. Polyhydric alcohols or phenols have multiple hydroxyl groups. This classification system is essential for describing the structural complexity of these compounds and understanding their diverse chemical and physical properties based on the number of hydroxyl groups present.