Alcohol, Phenol and Ether Test - 5

CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH and CH₃CH₂OC₂H₅ are functional isomers as both have the same molecular formula, but different functional groups.

The catalyst used in the manufacture of methanol from water gas is CuO/ZnO/Cr₂O₃.

On industrial scale, methanol is prepared from a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gaseous mixture is subjected to 200 atmospheres and then passed over heated catalyst mixture of ZnO and Cr₂O₃ kept at 400°C to 450°C. This reaction results the formation of methanol vapours which are then condensed to liquid state.
CO + 2H₂ → CH₃OH

The conversion of RCOOH to RCH₂OH can be obtained by lithium aluminium hydride.
NaBH₄ does not reduce carboxylic acids.
Red P/HI would reduce it to the hydrocarbon stage.
Zn-Hg/conc. HCl: Clemmensen reduction is done for conversion of aldehydes to hydrocarbons

The bond angle in methoxymethane (111.7°) is slightly greater than the tetrahedral angle due to repulsive interaction between two bulky groups.

The boiling points of alcohols are higher than those of other classes like hydrocarbons and ether, and the boiling points of ether compounds are higher than those of hydrocarbons. So, the correct set in order of increasing boiling points is: butane, ethoxyethane, pentanol.

The substituents like NO₂ stabilise the phenolate ion by dispersing the negative charge on it because of their electron withdrawing nature. It will increase the acidic strength more at para position as compared to o- and m- positions.
Thus, the order of decreasing acidic strength is:
p-nitrophenol > o-nitrophenol > m-nitrophenol > phenol

Nitro group is an electron withdrawing group and it increases the acidic strength of phenol.
So, phenol is less acidic than o-nitrophenol.