# Propanol is an alcohol that can be used as a solvent in industry. Describe the chemical properties of propanol, including how it reacts with sodium metal and how it burns in air. In your answer, state the products formed in each reaction.

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

> Propanol is a member of the alcohol homologous series with the molecular formula C₃H₇OH. It is widely used as a solvent and can undergo several characteristic chemical reactions.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Propanol reacts with sodium metal
2. Hydrogen gas is produced in the reaction with sodium
3. Sodium propoxide (sodium salt of propanol) is also produced in the reaction with sodium
4. Propanol burns in air / undergoes combustion
5. Carbon dioxide and water are produced when propanol burns (complete combustion)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "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-is-an-alcohol-that-can-ab09e49c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.