Reaction with sodium:
2R–OH + 2Na → 2R–ONa + H₂↑
(forms sodium alkoxide and hydrogen gas)

1. Oxidation:

   • Primary alcohols → aldehydes → carboxylic acids

   • Secondary alcohols → ketones

   • Tertiary alcohols → resistant to oxidation

2. Dehydration:
   R–CH₂CH₂–OH → R–CH=CH₂ + H₂O (with concentrated H₂SO₄)

3. Esterification:
   R–OH + R′–COOH → R′–COOR + H₂O (in presence of acid catalyst)

4. Halogenation:
   R–OH + HX → R–X + H₂O (forms alkyl halides)