Question

Which one is the general formula of monohydric alcohols?
A. ${C_2}{H_{2n - 2}}OH\\\$
B. ${C_{n + 1}}{H_{2n}}OH\\\$
C. ${C_{2n}}{H_{2n + 2}}2OH\\\$
D. ${C_n}{H_{2n}}OH\\\$

Answer 1

We know that alcohols are organic compounds, who possess hydroxyl groups and are attached to a saturated carbon atom. They can be prepared by oxidation of alkanes or reduction of ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids.

Complete step by step solution
An alcohol which contains only one hydroxyl group is known as monohydric alcohol. We can identify it by seeing the alcohol functional group, in which an oxygen and hydrogen atom is present or –OH group. The general formula of monohydric alcohols is ${C_n}{H_{2n}}OH$ where n=1, 2, 3 etc.

There are three types of monohydric alcohol, primary alcohol, secondary alcohol and tertiary alcohol. Primary alcohol in which hydroxyl group is directly attached with the carbon atom, and when $- OH$ group is attached with ${{\rm{2}}^{\rm{o}}}$ carbon ,is called secondary alcohol. When the $- OH$ group is attached with ${{\rm{3}}^{\rm{o}}}$ carbon, then it is called tertiary alcohol. When we talk about the acidity of the alcohol; primary alcohols are more acidic than secondary alcohols which are more acidic than tertiary alcohol. This is because the strength of the alcohol as an acid is dependent on the corresponding strength of its conjugate base. A more stabilized alkoxide is a weaker conjugate base and hence the alcohol will be more acidic.

**Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Note: **
Ethanol is a type of primary monohydric alcohol, which is miscible in water. It is difficult to separate from water. Ethanol is free of water that’s why it is also called absolute alcohol. A constant boiling mixture is formed of water containing $95\;\%$ ethanol and $5\;\%$ water.