Alcohols contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups bonded to carbon atoms and are a major class of organic compounds. The oxidation of alcohols can...

Alcohols contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups bonded to carbon atoms and are a major class of organic compounds. The oxidation of alcohols can form other classes of organic compounds.

a. Discuss the organic chemical reaction involving the oxidation of alcohols. How is the bond between carbon and oxygen in the -C-OH changed in terms of the outer shell electrons and bonding present? Show the chemical reaction for, and discuss one example for each of the resulting classes of organic compounds yielded by the oxidation of alcohols.

b. How does hydrogen bonding in alcohols affect their properties? Provide at least two examples of properties of alcohols that are affected by hydrogen bonding. What happens with each of these properties for larger alcohol compounds (increased number of carbon atoms)?

c. Discuss the hazards posed by alcohols that maybe present in the workplace. How can these hazards be mitigated?

d. Propylene glycol is used as a preservative for food and tobacco. What are the pros and cons of using propylene glycol for this purpose?