CHEM BRAIN

(i) Character : Alcohols are neutral substances. These have no effect on litmus paper. This is analytical test for alcohols

(ii) Physical state : The lower alcohols (upto C12) are colourless alcohol with characteristic smell and burning taste. The higher members with more than 12-carbon atoms are colourless and odourless solids.

(iii) Polar character : Oxygen atom of the – OH group is more electronegative than both carbon and hydrogen. Thus the electron density near oxygen atom is slightly higher. Hydrogen bonding

v) Solubility : The lower alcohols are miscible in water 

\( Solubility \propto \frac{1}{No \  of \  C} \)

Isomeric 1°, 2°, 3° alcohols have solubility in order 1°> 2°> 3°