# Pentan-1-ol (C₅H₁₁OH) is an alcohol. When pentan-1-ol reacts with phosphorus pentachloride, 1-chloropentane (C₅H₁₁Cl) is produced. Explain why 1-chloropentane is classified as a halogenoalkane and describe three differences in the chemical properties of pentan-1-ol and 1-chloropentane.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 3.3 Alcohols and halogenoalkanes · Explain and Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. 1-chloropentane is a halogenoalkane because it contains a halogen atom (chlorine) bonded to a carbon chain / in place of the OH group
2. Pentan-1-ol contains an –OH (hydroxyl) functional group; 1-chloropentane does not / contains a C–Cl bond instead
3. Pentan-1-ol can be oxidised / burns to form carbon dioxide and water; 1-chloropentane does not undergo the same oxidation reaction
4. Pentan-1-ol reacts with sodium to produce hydrogen gas; 1-chloropentane does not react with sodium in the same way
5. 1-chloropentane undergoes hydrolysis / nucleophilic substitution with water or aqueous alkali to form pentan-1-ol / an alcohol; pentan-1-ol does not undergo this reaction

## Key terms

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

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- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain and Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/pentan-1-ol-c-h-oh-is-an-alcohol-when-66e370a2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.