# Ethanol can be converted into chloroethane (a halogenoalkane) by replacing the hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom. Describe what happens to the functional group during this conversion and explain why chloroethane is classified as a halogenoalkane rather than an alcohol.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 3.3 Alcohols and halogenoalkanes · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

> Ethanol has the molecular formula C₂H₅OH. Chloroethane has the molecular formula C₂H₅Cl.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanol contains a hydroxyl (–OH) functional group
2. The hydroxyl (–OH) group is removed/replaced during the conversion
3. A halogen atom (chlorine) is introduced / takes the place of the –OH group
4. Chloroethane is classified as a halogenoalkane because it contains a halogen atom bonded to a carbon chain / alkane chain
5. Chloroethane is not an alcohol because it does not contain a hydroxyl (–OH) group

## Key terms

- [halogenoalkane](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/halogenoalkane)
- [alcohol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohol)
- [hydroxyl group](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hydroxyl-group)
- [functional group](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/functional-group)

## Related

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

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-can-be-converted-into-chloroethane-c0478140) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.