Question

Write a structural formula for 1-pentanol, the alcohol derived from pentane, by making a substitution on one of the carbon atoms.

Answer 1

To yield an alcohol from an alkane, one reaction could be from alkyl halide through hydrolysis reaction. The alkyl halide should be pentyl chloride. When you add water to it, the OH⁻ ion will replace Cl to make 1-pentanol, while the Cl⁻ ion binds with H⁺ to form HCl. The main product is pentanol, while the by-product is HCl.