Chapter 23.2, Problem 9LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : To write the general formula of alcohol.

Concept Introduction : A general formula is a type of formula that represents any composition for any kind of compound in that particular class.

Answer to Problem 9LC

  $\text{R-OH}$ where R is the alkyl group.

Explanation of Solution

The general formula is $\text{R-OH}$ , where R is an alky group which is represented with ${\text{C}}_{\text{n}}{\text{H}}_{\text{2n+1}}$ . For example, in the case of ethanol which is ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}$ , ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}-$ will be the alkyl group that is R.

Conclusion

So, the general formula of alcohol is $\text{R-OH}$ and the suffix for the alcohol will be “ol”.