Reaction+Properties

=__** Alcohols can undergo five reactions: **__=

Nucleophilic Substitution: The reaction where OH (hydroxide) acts as the leaving group.

Example:


Nucleophilic Addition: OH acts as the "Nu" forming ketones and aldehydes with acetals.

Example:


Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution: OH acts as the "Nu" forming derivatives and carboxylic acids with esters.

Example:


Elimination: OH is removed from the structure as water to form double bonded carbons (C=C). Hydroxide is removed from phenol with help from a catalyst (heat).

Example:


Oxidation: OH is converted into a double bond between a carbon and an oxygen (C=O). Apples turning brown when phenol is exposed to oxygen.