Functional Group

A hydroxyl is a chemical functional group containing an oxygen atom connected by a covalent bond to a hydrogen atom (-OH). Alcohol, phenols and hydroxy acid are three main types of compounds which include hydroxyl. In this paper, I have researched four simple organic compounds which has hydroxyl as their functional group.

Methyl alcohol contains one methyl and one hydroxyl, and its chemical formula is CH3OH. The figure1 shows the chemical structures of methyl alcohol which is methyl connected by a covalent bond to hydroxyl. It is very easy to be burned on. When it meets some fire or in a high temperature condition, it is predicted to explode.

It is toxic. It can be used for feedstock and fuel for vehicles. There are many ways to manufactured it. For instance, carbon monoxide and hydrogen react over a catalyst to produce methanol. Methanol has a high toxicity in humans. If as little as 10 mL of pure methanol is ingested, for example, it can break down into formic acid, which can cause permanent blindness by destruction of the optic nerve, and 30 mL is potentially fatal.

“Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, beverage alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with the structural formula CH3CH2OH.” The figure2 shows its chemical structures. Ethanol can be oxidized to ethanal. It can also response with acetic acid to make ethyl acetate in concentrated sulfuric acid. Ethanol is produced both as a petrochemical, through the hydration of ethylene and, via biological processes, by fermenting sugars with yeast. Which process is more economical depends on prevailing prices of petroleum and grain feed stocks. Fermentation method is a good way to produce it.