Reactions of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Start with the big picture
Alcohol reactions include conversion to alkyl halides, formation of tosylate or mesylate leaving groups, dehydration to alkenes, oxidation, and protection or esterification. The pathway can depend on alcohol substitution: primary and tertiary alcohols may react through different substitution mechanisms, while secondary alcohols can follow either route depending on conditions. Ethers can be prepared by Williamson synthesis or acidic alcohol condensation, cleaved with hydrogen halides, and may form peroxides on exposure to air. Phenol’s resonance-stabilized conjugate base explains its acidity, while its –OH group directs aromatic substitution toward ortho and para positions. The wider lesson also introduces named phenol transformations, thiol reactivity and oxidation, and sulfur-removal reactions.
What you'll learn
- Match common reagents with alcohol-to-halide, dehydration, oxidation, and esterification transformations.
- Distinguish substitution pathways for primary and tertiary alcohols and recognize condition-dependent secondary reactions.
- Describe ether synthesis, cleavage, and the peroxide hazard associated with ether exposure to air.
- Explain phenol acidity and the directing effect of its –OH group in aromatic substitution.
- Summarize key reactions of thiols and sulfur-containing compounds.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
