Question

Alcohols are commonly identified by their -OH hydroxyl group. However, what is the proper nomenclature when it is part of a compound? Surely not every compound with a hydroxyl group is an alcohol. But, is the hydroxyl group itself considered an alcohol? Or is it considered just a hydroxyl group? Basically, when would you consider the -OH to be an alcohol compared to just being a plain ol' hydroxyl group? Does it have to do with whether or not it forms aldehyde when it is oxidized?

Answer 1

I’m not too sure your question but an example of when seeing an -OH group wouldn’t mean it’s an alcohol is when you see a c double bonded to an O and then a single bond off the same C to and OH group which indicates a carboxylic acid rather than an alcohol. If your adding a halogen for example making it 1, chloro propan-3-ol in that case it’s still acting as an alcohol. Most of the time an OH group indicates an alcohol unless it’s a carboxylic axis as explained above. Hope this helps !