Propanol (C₃H₇OH) is an alcohol used as a solvent and in hand sanitisers. Explain why propanol is classified as an organic compound and describe TWO chemical properties that are characteristic of alcohols.

WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 2.4 Organic compounds · Explain and Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

Propanol is classified as an organic compound because it contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms.

Alcohols have the following characteristic chemical properties:
1. They burn in oxygen to give carbon dioxide and water.
2. They react with reactive metals such as sodium to produce hydrogen gas.

(Alternatively, alcohols can be oxidised to give carboxylic acids, e.g. propanol → propanoic acid.)

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "contain" to link carbon to hydrogen for classification. Show both combustion products (CO₂ and H₂O) to gain full marks. Mention a metal‑reaction or oxidation to satisfy the second property requirement.

Common mistakes

  • Saying propanol is organic because it is a liquid or because it is used as a solvent. Forgetting to list both CO₂ and H₂O as combustion products. Describing only one chemical property instead of two.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Propanol is classified as organic because it contains carbon (atoms/bonds)
  2. Alcohols burn / combust in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water
  3. Products of combustion of an alcohol are carbon dioxide AND water (both required for this mark)
  4. Alcohols react with sodium / reactive metals to produce hydrogen gas
  5. Alcohols can be oxidised to form carboxylic acids (e.g. propanol → propanoic acid) OR alcohols can undergo fermentation / be produced by fermentation

Key terms in this question

organic compound · alcohol

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