# Methanol and ethanol are both alcohols. Explain why both of these substances are classified as alcohols and describe two chemical reactions that alcohols undergo.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Explain and Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Both contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group
2. Alcohols burn/combust in oxygen/air to produce carbon dioxide and water
3. Alcohols react with sodium to produce hydrogen gas
4. Alcohols can be oxidised to form carboxylic acids (e.g. ethanol oxidised to ethanoic acid)
5. Alcohols react with carboxylic acids (in the presence of an acid catalyst) to form esters

## Key terms

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

## 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/methanol-and-ethanol-are-both-alcohols-18010d7a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.