Distinguishing Properties

Key differences between alcohols, phenols, and ethers:

• Alcohols: Have -OH group attached to sp³ hybridized carbon, less acidic
• Phenols: Have -OH group attached to sp² hybridized carbon of benzene ring, more acidic than alcohols
• Ethers: Have R-O-R' structure, where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups, not acidic

Alcohols and phenols can form hydrogen bonds, while ethers cannot. Ethers are generally more volatile than alcohols of comparable molecular mass.