# Methanol and butanol are both members of the alcohols homologous series. Describe TWO chemical properties that methanol and butanol share, and for each property, name the type of reaction or the product(s) formed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.5 Alcohols · Describe · 4 marks

> Alcohols are organic compounds containing the functional group –OH. The first four members of the homologous series are methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Both alcohols undergo combustion (burn in oxygen) — accept 'complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water'
2. Carbon dioxide AND water named as products of combustion (both required for this mark)
3. Both alcohols can be oxidised to carboxylic acids — accept 'by potassium dichromate(VI)' or 'by microbial oxidation'
4. Carboxylic acid named as the product of oxidation (or correct specific acid named, e.g. methanoic acid for methanol / butanoic acid for butanol)

## Key terms

- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methanol-and-butanol-are-both-members-0a32506c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.