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The properties of alcohols
In association with Nuffield Foundation
Source: Royal Society of Chemistry
Ethanol and propan-1-ol are tested for pH, reaction with sodium, combustion and oxidation with acidified dichromate(VI) solution
These experiments show that alcohols react similarly in all these reactions. They make clear the concept of functional groups in organic chemistry. This experiment can be carried out by students if the use of sodium is closely supervised, or delivered in part as a demonstration.
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