The Burning of Primary and Secondary Alcohols Extended Experimental Investigation

The Burning of Primary and Secondary Alcohols

Year 11A Chemistry

By Jarrod Ahern

Abstract
The aim of the investigation was to determine whether primary alcohols use less energy than secondary alcohols for fuel. The hypothesis is if primary alcohols are heated and results are taken, they produce a lesser heat of reaction then secondary alcohols. The method used was to find the average bond energies of three relating primary and secondary alcohols and compare it with the average theoretical values. Hence the primary alcohols produce less energy most of the time and this was tested by using the correct methods.

Contents

Pg 1 - Aim
Pg 1-2 - Theory
Pg 2 - Hypothesis
Pg 2-3 - Variables
Pg 3 - Apparatus
Pg 3 - Procedure
Pg 4 - Results
Pg 5-6 - Analysis
Pg 7 - Discussion
Pg 8 - Conclusion
Pg 9 - Appendices
Pg 11 - Bibliography

Aim
There are many different purposes for fuel around the world right now. The use of fuels has increased and we are investigating to find the most essential fuels for various things. Using the most effective fuel source is essential. Hence, various primary and secondary alcohols will be tested to see which uses the lesser energy. The investigation is aimed to determine whether primary alcohols use less energy than secondary alcohols for fuel.
Theory
An alcohol is referred to as groups of organic chemical compounds. Alcohols occur when a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group replaces one or two of the hydrogen atoms. There are many types of alcohols but they are classified by their structure. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary depending on how many carbons are attached to the OH group. Primary and Secondary structures will be the main focus of this assignment. Primary alcohols are when the carbon atom that carries the –OH group is only attached to one alkyl group. A secondary alcohol is when the OH is directly linked to two of the alkyl groups. The tertiary is the final alcohol group this occurs when the OH molecule is

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