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1. Alcohol (Example- ethanol)-

 Physical Properties of Ethanol-

 Ethanol is a liquid at room temperature
 Ethanol is commonly called alcohol and is the active ingredient of all alcoholic
drinks.
 It is a good solvent and is also used in medicines such as tincture iodine, cough
syrups, and many tonics.
 Ethanol is soluble in water in all proportions.

 Ill effects of consumption of alcohol-
 Consumption of ethanol in small quantities of dilution, causes drunkenness.
(loss of control on the nervous system).
 Even though this practice is condemned, it is a socially widespread
practice.
 However, intake of even a small quantity of pure ethanol (called absolute
alcohol) can be lethal.
 Long-term consumption of alcohol leads to many health problems like Liver
Cirrhosiswhichbecomes fatal.
 When large quantities of ethanol are consumed, it tends to slow metabolic
processes and to depress the central nervous system.
This results in-
-lack of coordination,
-mental confusion,
-drowsiness,
-lowering of the normal inhibitions, and
-finally stupor (numbness).
The individual may feel relaxed but does not realise that his –
-sense of judgement,
-sense of timing, and
-muscular coordination have been seriously impaired.

 Chemical Properties of Ethanol--
1. Oxidation of Ethanol- (Activity-4.3.2, page-70):

Carbon compounds get completely oxidised during combustionand form carbon
dioxide and water.

In addition to this, we have reactions in which alcohols are converted to carboxylic
acidsby oxidation in presenceof an oxidising agent.

a. Combustion of Ethanol-
Complete combustion of alcohols produces carbon dioxide gas and water vapour.

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