# Propan-1-ol undergoes combustion when it is burned in air. Describe what is observed when propan-1-ol burns in a plentiful supply of air, and explain why propan-1-ol is classified as a member of the alcohol homologous series rather than as an alkane, even though both contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms in addition to any oxygen.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Describe · 5 marks

> Propan-1-ol has the molecular formula C₃H₇OH and is a flammable liquid at room temperature.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Propan-1-ol burns with a (relatively) clean/blue flame
2. Carbon dioxide and water are produced as combustion products
3. Propan-1-ol contains an –OH (hydroxyl) functional group / alcohol functional group
4. Members of a homologous series share the same functional group / general formula
5. Alkanes do not contain an –OH group / only contain C–H and C–C bonds, so propan-1-ol cannot be an alkane

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/propan-1-ol-undergoes-combustion-when-it-is-1e40542d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.