CHAPTER-7 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

TOPIC WISE QUESTIONS

7.1 Classification

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is a primary alcohol?
a) Methanol
b) Isopropanol
c) Tert-butanol
d) Ethanol

2. Phenols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups attached to

the:
a) Aliphatic chain
b) Aromatic ring
c) Ether linkage
d) Carbonyl group

3. Ethers are classified into which two categories?

a) Symmetrical and asymmetrical
b) Aromatic and aliphatic
c) Primary and secondary
 d) Simple and mixed

4. Which of the following is an example of a tertiary alcohol?

a) Methanol
b) Isopropanol
c) Tert-butanol
d) Ethanol

5. The classification of alcohols into primary, secondary, and tertiary is based on:
a) The number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon bonded to the hydroxyl
group
b) The number of hydroxyl groups in the molecule
c) The position of the hydroxyl group in the carbon chain
d) The presence of aromatic rings

Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Primary alcohols are more reactive towards oxidation than tertiary
alcohols.
Reason: Primary alcohols have a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon
bearing the hydroxyl group.

2. Assertion: Phenols are more acidic than alcohols.

Reason: The phenoxide ion formed after losing a proton is stabilized by
resonance.
3. Assertion: Simple ethers have two identical alkyl or aryl groups attached to
the oxygen atom.
Reason: Mixed ethers have two different alkyl or aryl groups attached to the
oxygen atom.

4. Assertion: Tert-butanol is less soluble in water compared to ethanol.

Reason: The branching in tert-butanol reduces its ability to form hydrogen
bonds with water.

5. Assertion: Secondary alcohols are classified based on the number of alkyl

groups attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group.
Reason: Secondary alcohols have two alkyl groups attached to the carbon
bearing the hydroxyl group.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Explain how alcohols are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary.
2. Describe the classification of phenols based on the number of hydroxyl
groups.
3. How are ethers classified as simple and mixed? Provide examples.
4. Compare the reactivity of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols towards
oxidation.
5. Explain the classification of ethers based on their structure.

Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)

1. Discuss the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols
with examples.
2. Explain why phenols are more acidic than alcohols. Provide the structure of
phenol and its resonance forms.
3. How does the branching in alcohols affect their solubility in water? Give
examples.
4. Describe the structure and classification of mixed ethers with chemical
equations.
5. Explain the criteria for classifying alcohols based on their carbon skeleton and
the position of the hydroxyl group.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the classification of alcohols, phenols, and ethers, providing
examples and their structural formulas.
2. Explain the structural differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary
alcohols and their chemical properties.
3. Discuss the classification of phenols and their chemical reactivity based on the
number of hydroxyl groups attached to the aromatic ring.
4. How are ethers classified into simple and mixed? Provide chemical equations
to illustrate their preparation.
5. Explain the significance of classifying alcohols, phenols, and ethers in organic
chemistry, and how it aids in understanding their chemical behavior.

Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: A laboratory analysis reveals a compound with the molecular
formula C3H8O.
- Identify the possible structures of this compound based on the classification
of alcohols.
- Explain the chemical reactions you would use to distinguish between these
structures.
 - Discuss the physical properties that differentiate these compounds.

2. Case Study: A chemical synthesis aims to prepare mixed ethers using alcohols.
- Outline the steps and chemical reactions involved in synthesizing mixed
ethers.
- Describe the method for preparing a specific mixed ether from primary and
secondary alcohols.
- Compare the physical and chemical properties of the resulting mixed ether
with that of a simple ether.

7.2 Nomenclature

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the IUPAC name of CH3CH2OH?
a) Methanol
b) Ethanol
c) Propanol
d) Butanol

2. The structure of phenol includes which functional group?

a) -OH
b) -NH2
c) -COOH
d) -SH
3. Ethers are characterized by which general formula?
a) R-O-R'
b) R-CHO
c) R-CO-R'
d) R-OH

4. Which of the following is the IUPAC name of (CH3)3COH?

a) 1-Butanol
b) 2-Butanol
c) 2-Methylpropanol
d) 2-Methyl-2-propanol

5. The IUPAC name of CH3OCH3 is:

a) Dimethyl ether
b) Methoxy methane
c) Ethoxy methane
d) Methyl ethyl ether

Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Alcohols generally have higher boiling points than ethers of
comparable molecular mass.
Reason: Alcohols can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

2. Assertion: Phenols are more acidic than alcohols.

 Reason: The phenoxide ion formed after losing a proton is stabilized by
resonance.

3. Assertion: Ethers are relatively inert compared to alcohols.

Reason: Ethers do not have a hydrogen atom bonded to the oxygen atom.

4. Assertion: Methanol is a primary alcohol.

Reason: Methanol has the hydroxyl group attached to a primary carbon.

5. Assertion: The IUPAC name for CH3-O-CH2-CH3 is methoxyethane.

Reason: Ethers are named as alkoxyalkanes in the IUPAC system.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Explain the IUPAC nomenclature rules for naming alcohols.
2. Provide the structure and IUPAC name of the simplest ether.
3. How are phenols named according to the IUPAC system?
4. Compare the nomenclature of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols with
examples.
5. Describe the general formula for ethers and give an example of a mixed ether.

Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)

1. Discuss the nomenclature of alcohols using the example of CH3CH2CH2OH.
2. Explain the IUPAC naming system for phenols with the structure of 4-
methylphenol.
3. How are ethers named when they have different alkyl groups? Provide
examples.
4. Describe the naming convention for alcohols with multiple hydroxyl groups.
5. Explain the significance of the ‘alkoxy’ prefix in the nomenclature of ethers
with examples.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe in detail the IUPAC nomenclature rules for alcohols, phenols, and
ethers, with examples.
2. Explain the differences in naming primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols,
including structural formulas and chemical equations.
3. Discuss the nomenclature of phenols and their derivatives, providing
examples of mono-, di-, and tri-substituted phenols.
4. How are ethers named systematically and what are the key rules for naming
ethers with complex structures? Illustrate with examples.
5. Describe the importance of proper nomenclature in organic chemistry and
how it aids in identifying the structure and reactivity of alcohols, phenols, and
ethers.

Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: A compound has the molecular formula C4H10O. Identify the
possible structures and names of this compound using the IUPAC nomenclature
system.
- Provide the structures and names of at least two possible compounds.
- Explain the steps to determine the correct IUPAC names for these
compounds.
- Discuss the physical properties of these compounds based on their
structures.
2. Case Study: In a synthetic experiment, you need to name the product formed
from the reaction of ethyl alcohol with methanol.
- Identify the product and provide its IUPAC name.
- Explain the chemical equation and reaction mechanism for this synthesis.
- Discuss the significance of this reaction in organic synthesis and industrial
applications.
Absolutely! Let's create a comprehensive set of questions for the topic
"Structures of Functional Groups" in Chapter 7 of CBSE Class 12 Chemistry. I'll
ensure these questions include structure-based, diagram-based, and chemical
equation-based questions.

7.3 Structures of Functional Groups

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which functional group is present in methanol (CH3OH)?
a) Aldehyde
b) Ketone
c) Alcohol
d) Ether

2. The structure of the phenol molecule includes which functional group?

a) -NH2
b) -COOH
c) -OH
d) -SH
3. In ethers, the oxygen atom is bonded to how many carbon atoms?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four

4. Which of the following structures represents a primary alcohol?

a) CH3CH2OH
b) (CH3)2CHOH
c) (CH3)3COH
d) CH3OH

5. What is the functional group in diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3)?

a) Alcohol
b) Ether
c) Aldehyde
d) Ketone

Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Alcohols have higher boiling points than ethers of comparable
molecular mass.
Reason: Alcohols can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

2. Assertion: Phenols are more acidic than alcohols.

 Reason: The phenoxide ion formed after losing a proton is stabilized by
resonance.

3. Assertion: Ethers are generally non-reactive compared to alcohols.

Reason: Ethers do not have a hydrogen atom bonded to the oxygen atom.

4. Assertion: In primary alcohols, the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon

atom bonded to one other carbon atom.
Reason: Primary alcohols are more reactive towards oxidation than secondary
or tertiary alcohols.

5. Assertion: The structure of ethers includes an oxygen atom bonded to two

alkyl or aryl groups.
Reason: The oxygen atom in ethers can form hydrogen bonds with water
molecules.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Draw the structure of ethanol and label the functional group.
2. Provide the chemical equation for the reaction of phenol with sodium
hydroxide.
3. Describe the structure of ethyl ether and explain why it is classified as an
ether.
4. Compare the structures of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols with
examples.
5. Explain the structural differences between alcohols and phenols.

Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)

1. Discuss the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion and its impact on the
acidity of phenol.
2. Explain the intermolecular forces present in alcohols and their effect on
boiling points.
3. Describe the structure of tert-butanol and explain its classification as a
tertiary alcohol.
4. How does the presence of an ether functional group affect the physical
properties of a compound?
5. Explain the reaction mechanism of the acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene
to form an alcohol.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the structural and electronic differences between alcohols, phenols,
and ethers, providing examples and diagrams.
2. Explain the preparation and structure of alcohols, including chemical
equations for common methods.
3. Discuss the chemical and physical properties of phenols, focusing on their
acidity and resonance structures.
4. How do the structures of simple and mixed ethers differ? Provide examples
and their industrial significance.
5. Describe the various functional groups present in alcohols, phenols, and
ethers, and explain their reactivity with chemical equations.

Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: A compound has the molecular formula C4H10O. Identify and
draw the possible structures for alcohols and ethers based on this formula.
- Provide the structures and names of at least two possible compounds.
- Explain the steps to determine their functional groups and nomenclature.
 - Discuss the physical properties that differentiate these compounds.

2. Case Study: You are tasked with synthesizing phenol from chlorobenzene in a
laboratory experiment.
- Outline the reaction mechanism and provide the chemical equation.
- Explain the structural changes that occur during the reaction.
- Discuss the industrial applications of phenol and the importance of this
reaction.
Certainly! Let's create a comprehensive set of questions for the topic "Alcohols
and Phenols" in Chapter 7 of CBSE Class 12 Chemistry. These questions will cover
all possible types, including structure-based and chemical equation-based
questions.

7.4 Alcohols and Phenols

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the product when ethanol is oxidized using potassium dichromate?
a) Ethane
b) Ethanol
c) Ethanoic acid
d) Acetone

2. The major product of the reaction between phenol and bromine water is:
a) Bromobenzene
b) 2,4,6-Tribromophenol
c) Benzene
 d) Benzoquinone

3. Which of the following statements is true regarding phenol?

a) It is less acidic than ethanol.
b) It does not form hydrogen bonds.
c) It reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenoxide.
d) It is completely soluble in water.

4. What is the IUPAC name of CH3-CH2-OH?

a) Methanol
b) Ethanol
c) Propanol
d) Butanol

5. When phenol reacts with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids,
the product is:
a) Nitrobenzene
b) o-Nitrophenol
c) p-Nitrophenol
d) Picric acid

Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Phenol is more acidic than ethanol.
Reason: The phenoxide ion formed after losing a proton is stabilized by
resonance.
2. Assertion: Ethanol has a higher boiling point than dimethyl ether.
Reason: Ethanol can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, whereas dimethyl
ether cannot.

3. Assertion: Phenol does not react with sodium carbonate.

Reason: Phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid.

4. Assertion: The hydroxyl group in phenol is more reactive towards electrophilic

substitution reactions compared to the hydroxyl group in alcohols.
Reason: The aromatic ring in phenol activates the hydroxyl group towards
electrophilic attack.

5. Assertion: Ethanol can be oxidized to ethanoic acid using potassium

dichromate.
Reason: Potassium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Explain the acidity of phenol in comparison to ethanol.
2. Provide the chemical equation for the reaction of ethanol with potassium
dichromate.
3. Describe the structure of phenol and explain its reactivity towards
electrophilic substitution.
4. How does the presence of a hydroxyl group affect the boiling points of
alcohols?
5. What is the product of the reaction between phenol and dilute nitric acid?
Provide the chemical equation.
Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)
1. Discuss the oxidation reactions of primary alcohols, including ethanol.
2. Explain the mechanism of the bromination of phenol and its major products.
3. Compare the solubility of phenol and ethanol in water and explain the
reasons.
4. Describe the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion and its impact on
the acidity of phenol.
5. Explain the reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide and provide the
chemical equation.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the chemical properties of alcohols, including their reactions with
acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Provide relevant chemical equations.
2. Explain the differences in reactivity between alcohols and phenols, focusing
on their acidity and electrophilic substitution reactions. Provide examples and
structures.
3. Discuss the various methods for the preparation of phenols and their
chemical properties, with relevant chemical equations.
4. How do the structures of alcohols and phenols influence their physical
properties, such as boiling points and solubility? Provide detailed explanations
and examples.
5. Describe the nitration of phenol, including the reaction mechanism, products,
and industrial significance. Provide chemical equations and structural diagrams.

Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: In a laboratory experiment, you are tasked with identifying an
unknown compound that reacts with sodium to produce hydrogen gas and is
soluble in water.
- Identify the possible compounds (alcohols and phenols) based on these
properties.
- Explain the reactions these compounds undergo with sodium.
- Discuss the physical properties that could help in identifying the compound.

2. Case Study: A chemical industry needs to synthesize picric acid from phenol.
- Outline the reaction mechanism and provide the chemical equation for this
synthesis.
- Explain the structural changes that occur during the reaction.
- Discuss the industrial applications of picric acid and the importance of this
reaction.

Sure! Let's create a comprehensive set of questions for the topic "Some
Commercially Important Alcohols" in Chapter 7 of CBSE Class 12 Chemistry.
These questions will cover all possible types, including structure-based and
chemical equation-based questions.

7.5 Some Commercially Important Alcohols

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following alcohols is commonly used as an antiseptic?
a) Methanol
b) Ethanol
 c) Isopropanol
d) Butanol

2. What is the main use of methanol in the chemical industry?

a) Solvent
b) Fuel
c) Antifreeze
d) Formaldehyde production

3. Glycerol is primarily used in which of the following industries?

a) Food industry
b) Cosmetic industry
c) Textile industry
d) Pharmaceutical industry

4. Which alcohol is commonly known as wood alcohol?

a) Methanol
b) Ethanol
c) Propanol
d) Butanol

5. What is the IUPAC name of isopropanol?

a) Propan-1-ol
b) Propan-2-ol
 c) Isobutanol
d) Propylene glycol

Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Methanol is highly toxic and should not be ingested.
Reason: Methanol is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and formic acid,
which are toxic.

2. Assertion: Ethanol is used as a fuel additive.

Reason: Ethanol increases the octane rating of gasoline and reduces emissions.

3. Assertion: Isopropanol is used in hand sanitizers.

Reason: Isopropanol has effective antimicrobial properties.

4. Assertion: Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol.

Reason: Glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups.

5. Assertion: Methanol is commonly used in antifreeze solutions.

Reason: Methanol has a low freezing point and prevents the freezing of
liquids.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Describe the industrial uses of methanol and its significance.
2. Explain the role of ethanol as a fuel additive and its benefits.
3. How is isopropanol used in the medical field? Provide examples.
4. Discuss the properties of glycerol that make it suitable for use in the cosmetic
industry.
5. What are the potential hazards of methanol exposure and how can they be
mitigated?

Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)

1. Discuss the production of methanol and its major applications in the chemical
industry.
2. Explain the chemical properties of ethanol that make it suitable for use in
alcoholic beverages.
3. How is glycerol synthesized and what are its key applications in different
industries?
4. Describe the mechanism of action of isopropanol as an antiseptic.
5. Explain the environmental impact of using ethanol as a biofuel.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the methods of production, chemical properties, and industrial uses
of methanol. Provide relevant chemical equations.
2. Explain the significance of ethanol in the food and beverage industry, as well
as its applications in fuel and pharmaceuticals.
3. Discuss the chemical structure, properties, and various uses of glycerol in
different industries.
4. How is isopropanol produced, and what are its key applications in the medical
and industrial fields? Provide chemical equations for its reactions.
5. Describe the health and safety concerns associated with the use of methanol,
ethanol, and isopropanol, and the measures taken to ensure safe handling and
usage.
Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: A chemical plant produces methanol as a major product. Discuss
the following:
- The production process of methanol.
- The key uses of methanol in the chemical industry.
- The safety measures taken to handle methanol in the plant.

2. Case Study: Ethanol is widely used as a fuel additive in automobiles. Analyze

the following:
- The production and purification process of ethanol for fuel use.
- The benefits and drawbacks of using ethanol as a fuel additive.
- The environmental impact of ethanol production and usage.

Let's create a comprehensive set of questions for the topic "Ethers" in Chapter 7
of CBSE Class 12 Chemistry. These questions will cover all possible types,
including structure-based and chemical equation-based questions.

7.6 Ethers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is an example of a simple ether?
a) Methanol
b) Ethanol
c) Diethyl ether
d) Acetone
2. Ethers are characterized by which functional group?
a) -OH
b) -COOH
c) -O-
d) -NH2

3. What is the IUPAC name of CH3OCH3?

a) Dimethyl ether
b) Ethyl methyl ether
c) Methyl ethyl ether
d) Methoxy methane

4. Which reagent is commonly used for the cleavage of ethers?

a) HCl
b) HI
c) NaOH
d) KMnO4

5. The general formula for ethers is:

a) R-CHO
b) R-O-R'
c) R-CO-R'
d) R-OH
Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion: Ethers are less reactive compared to alcohols.
Reason: Ethers do not have a hydrogen atom bonded to the oxygen atom.

2. Assertion: Diethyl ether is commonly used as a solvent in organic reactions.

Reason: Diethyl ether has low polarity and is relatively inert.

3. Assertion: Ethers are generally non-polar in nature.

Reason: Ethers have a bent structure with lone pairs of electrons on the
oxygen atom.

4. Assertion: Ethers can form hydrogen bonds with water.

Reason: Ethers have lone pairs of electrons that can interact with hydrogen
atoms in water.

5. Assertion: Acidic cleavage of ethers results in the formation of alkyl halides.

Reason: The oxygen atom in ethers is nucleophilic and reacts with halide ions.

Short Answer Type-1 (SA-1)

1. Describe the general structure of ethers and provide an example.
2. How are ethers named according to the IUPAC system? Provide an example.
3. Explain the reactivity of ethers compared to alcohols.
4. Provide the chemical equation for the acidic cleavage of diethyl ether.
5. Discuss the industrial uses of ethers, particularly diethyl ether.
Short Answer Type-2 (SA-2)
1. Explain the synthesis of ethers using the Williamson ether synthesis method.
2. Describe the physical properties of ethers and how they differ from alcohols.
3. Discuss the mechanism of the cleavage of ethers using hydroiodic acid (HI).
4. How do the structural features of ethers influence their boiling points and
solubility in water?
5. Explain the nomenclature and structure of mixed ethers with relevant
examples.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the methods of preparation of ethers, including chemical equations
for each method.
2. Explain the chemical properties of ethers, focusing on their reactions with
acids and the cleavage of ethers.
3. Discuss the various industrial applications of ethers and their significance in
different industries.
4. How do the structures and functional groups of ethers affect their reactivity
and physical properties? Provide detailed explanations with examples.
5. Describe the Williamson ether synthesis in detail, including the reaction
mechanism, conditions, and applications.

Case-Based Questions
1. Case Study: A chemical laboratory needs to synthesize ethyl tert-butyl ether
(ETBE) using the Williamson ether synthesis.
- Outline the reaction mechanism and provide the chemical equation for this
synthesis.
 - Explain the structural features of ETBE and its industrial significance.
- Discuss the physical properties of ETBE that make it useful as a fuel additive.

2. Case Study: In a synthetic experiment, you need to cleave an ether to form

two alkyl halides.
- Identify the reagents and conditions required for this cleavage reaction.
- Provide the chemical equation and mechanism for the cleavage of a specific
ether, such as diethyl ether.
- Discuss the practical applications of this cleavage reaction in organic
synthesis.