Question

(a) What do ethane and ethanol have in common? (b) How does 1 -propanol differ from propane?

Short answer

(a) Ethane and ethanol both have two carbon atoms in their molecular structure and a single bond between the carbon atoms, making them members of the alkane and alcohol families, respectively. (b) 1-Propanol belongs to the alcohol family with the chemical formula \(C_{3}H_{7}OH\), due to the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH), while propane belongs to the alkane family with the chemical formula \(C_{3}H_{8}\), having no functional groups. Physical properties such as boiling points and solubilities also differ between 1-propanol and propane.

Step-by-step solution

Define Ethane and Ethanol

Ethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula \(C_{2}H_{6}\), consisting of two carbon atoms single-bonded to each other and six hydrogen atoms surrounding the two carbon atoms. Ethanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula \(C_{2}H_{5}OH\), and it has the same carbon backbone as ethane, with one hydrogen atom replaced by a hydroxyl group (-OH).

Compare Ethane and Ethanol

Both ethane and ethanol have the following in common: 1. They are organic compounds with two carbon atoms in their molecular structure. 2. They have a single bond between the carbon atoms, making them members of the alkane and alcohol families, respectively. 3. Both are considered to be small molecules within their respective families.

Define 1-Propanol and Propane

1-Propanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula \(C_{3}H_{7}OH\), which consists of a chain of three carbon atoms, with seven hydrogen atoms surrounding the carbon chain and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon atom. Propane, on the other hand, is an organic compound with the chemical formula \(C_{3}H_{8}\), which consists of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms, and is a member of the alkane family.

Compare 1-Propanol and Propane

The differences between 1-propanol and propane include: 1. 1-Propanol belongs to the alcohol family due to the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH), while propane belongs to the alkane family, which has no functional groups. 2. The chemical formula of 1-propanol is \(C_{3}H_{7}OH\) while propane has the chemical formula \(C_{3}H_{8}\). 3. Physical properties such as boiling points and solubilities differ between 1-propanol and propane.

Key concepts

Ethane and Ethanol Comparison

Ethane and ethanol, though different in many respects, share some common characteristics as well. Both substances are organic compounds and belong to different categories within organic chemistry. Ethane is a simple alkane consisting of only carbon (\(C\)) and hydrogen (\(H\)) atoms with a chemical formula \(C_{2}H_{6}\). In contrast, ethanol is an alcohol, represented by the formula \(C_{2}H_{5}OH\), displaying its distinct hydroxyl group (-OH).

What both ethane and ethanol share is the presence of two carbon atoms bonded together, which forms the backbone of their molecular structure. This basic framework categorizes ethane as the simplest alkane with a carbon-carbon single bond, while ethanol, despite being an alcohol, retains this two-carbon structure.

• Both have two carbon atoms.
• Possess a carbon-carbon single bond.
• Considered small molecules.

However, ethanol stands out as it has one of its hydrogen atoms replaced by a hydroxyl group, thus defining its classification as an alcohol.

1-Propanol vs Propane

The molecules 1-propanol and propane are intriguing to compare due to their differences in structure and properties. 1-Propanol falls under the alcohol category, composed of three carbon atoms, hydrogen, and an additional functional group, the hydroxyl group (-OH). Its formula is \(C_{3}H_{7}OH\). This hydroxyl group is attached to the first carbon atom in its linear chain.

Conversely, propane is a straightforward alkane. Its formula \(C_{3}H_{8}\) displays this simplicity with only carbon and hydrogen atoms, with no functional groups. The absence of a hydroxyl group makes it hydrophobic and significantly alters its interactions compared to 1-propanol.

• 1-Propanol contains a hydroxyl group making it an alcohol.
• Propane is purely a hydrocarbon with no additional groups.
• Chemical properties like solubility and boiling point greatly differ due to these structural differences.

These characteristics result in varying physical and chemical properties. 1-Propanol is more polar and has different solubility and boiling points than propane, reflecting its nature as an alcohol.

Functional Groups in Alcohols

Functional groups define the characteristics and reactivity of organic molecules, and in alcohols, the defining feature is the hydroxyl group (-OH). This group dictates alcohols' interactions, enabling them to engage in hydrogen bonding.

The presence of the hydroxyl functional group causes alcohols to have higher boiling points compared to similar-sized alkanes without such a group. Alcohols are generally more soluble in water than their alkane counterparts due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

• The hydroxyl group is key to alcohol's polarity and reactivity.
• Enables hydrogen bonding, affecting boiling and melting points.
• Increases solubility in polar solvents like water.

Understanding the role of functional groups like hydroxyl in alcohols is crucial in predicting their physical properties and chemical behaviors, guiding their applications in various chemical reactions and solutions.