Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why alcohols generally have higher boiling points than ethers of similar molecular weight?

Accepted Answer

Alcohols can form hydrogen bonds with each other, while ethers cannot.

Question 2

Which of the following functional groups can act as a hydrogen bond donor?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Question 3

Rank the following compounds from most to least water soluble: alkane, ether, alcohol.

Accepted Answer

Alcohol \u003e Ether \u003e Alkane

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the product of the oxidation of a primary alcohol?

Accepted Answer

It is first oxidized to an aldehyde, and with further oxidation, to a carboxylic acid.

Question 5

A patient is treated for methanol poisoning by administering ethanol. What is the biochemical rationale for this treatment?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol competes with methanol for alcohol dehydrogenase, slowing the formation of toxic formaldehyde.

Question 6

Which of the following molecules will give a positive Tollen’s test?

Accepted Answer

An aldehyde

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct classification for the alcohol group in cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

It is a primary alcohol.

Question 8

What is the product of the reduction of a ketone?

Accepted Answer

A secondary alcohol

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a condensation reaction?

Accepted Answer

Two molecules combine with the loss of water.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about phenols is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phenols are more acidic than alcohols due to resonance stabilization of the conjugate base.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a possible product of the oxidation of a secondary alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde

Question 12

Which of the following functional groups contains a carbonyl group bonded to two carbons?

Accepted Answer

Ketone

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why glucose is a reducing sugar?

Accepted Answer

It contains an aldehyde group that can be oxidized.

Question 14

Which of the following is required to form a cyclic hemiacetal from an aldehyde?

Accepted Answer

A molecule with both an aldehyde and an alcohol group

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the intermolecular forces present in aldehydes and ketones?

Accepted Answer

They have dipole-dipole interactions and can hydrogen bond with water, but not with themselves.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the oxidation of ethanol in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol → Acetaldehyde → Acetate

Question 17

Which of the following is a structural isomer of an alcohol with the formula $$\mathrm{C_3H_8O}$$?

Accepted Answer

An ether with the formula $$\mathrm{C_3H_8O}$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the product of the reaction between an aldehyde and one equivalent of alcohol?

Accepted Answer

A hemiacetal

Question 19

Which of the following statements about tertiary alcohols is correct?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidized under normal conditions because the carbon bearing the OH group has no hydrogen atoms.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between an acetal and a hemiacetal?

Accepted Answer

An acetal has two -OR groups attached to the same carbon, while a hemiacetal has one -OR and one -OH group.

Oxygen Compounds: Alcohols and Carbonyls – Properties, Reactions, and Biological Relevance

Study Guide - Practice Questions