# Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is an organic compound found in alcoholic drinks and is also used as a fuel. Explain why ethanol is classified as an alcohol and describe the products formed when ethanol undergoes complete combustion.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 2.4 Organic compounds · Explain and Describe · 5 marks

> Ethanol has the molecular formula C₂H₅OH and burns readily in air.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanol contains a hydroxyl / OH group
2. The OH / hydroxyl group is the functional group that defines alcohols
3. Ethanol is also a hydrocarbon / contains carbon and hydrogen (in addition to oxygen) — accept: it is an organic compound containing carbon
4. Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide
5. Complete combustion also produces water

## Key terms

- [alcohol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohol)
- [complete combustion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/complete-combustion)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain and Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-c-h-oh-is-an-organic-compound-e079e504) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.