# 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

## 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

- [organic compound](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/organic-compound)
- [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/propanol-c-h-oh-is-an-alcohol-used-ed6899e9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.