Ethanol
Ethanol is a simple alcohol with formula C2H5OH.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Ethanol is an important carbon compound because it contains the hydroxyl group -OH and belongs to the alcohol family. In the CBSE syllabus, students should know its structure, its use as a solvent and fuel, and its oxidation to ethanoic acid. It is a colourless liquid and mixes with water.
Example
CH3CH2OH is ethanol. It has two carbon atoms and one hydroxyl group at the end of the chain.
Simple analogy
Ethanol means a two-carbon alcohol with -OH.
Common confusion
Students often write ethanol only as C2H6O and forget to show the -OH group clearly.
Exam tip
In answers, write both the formula and the functional group: C2H5OH, alcohol, -OH.
Study the ethanol diagram carefully
Use the labelled diagram to keep ethanol clear in short answers and revision.
What this diagram makes clear
This diagram keeps the labels and direction of ethanol in the right order.
Where this helps in exams
Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on ethanol.
Revision cue
Revise ethanol through the labels before writing the answer.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of ethanol in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define ethanol and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain ethanol, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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