Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers – Notes

Alcohols and Phenols: Classification and Nomenclature

Alcohols have one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom.

Phenols have one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring.

Alcohols and phenols can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary.

Some alcohols can be described as allylic, benzylic or vinylic alcohols.

In IUPAC nomenclature, the alcohol name is derived from the alkane name of

the longest continuous carbon chain.

IUPAC nomenclature of alcohols uses the “-ol” ending.

Phenol derivatives can be named as substituted phenols, but many have common names.