Reactions of Alcohols
(overview)

Alcohols are one of the most important functional groups in organic chemistry and an appreciation of their reactions is critical to success, particularly in synthesis questions.

Alcohols, R-OH,  are able to undergo several different types of reactions:

 

Nucleophilic Substitution	-OH acts as the leaving group,  or	-OH or -O- can function as the Nu
Nucleophilic Addition	-OH acts as the Nu forming acetals
Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution	-OH acts as the Nu forming esters
Elimination	-OH is removed, C=C formed
Oxidation	-OH is converted to C=O

Substitution with HX
Substitution by SOCl2 etc.
Conversion to Tosylates (for further substitution)
Conversion to Ethers
Conversion to Esters
Acid catalyzed Dehydration
Oxidation to Carbonyls

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