Primary, secondary, tertiary alcohols

  • Thread starter DespicableMe
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Alcohols
In summary, determining the class of an alcohol with multiple hydroxyl groups attached to the main HC chain is not based on the specific carbon with the attached OH group. Instead, if there are two hydroxyl groups, it is classified as a glycol, and if there are more than two, it is typically labeled as a polyol. Additionally, the presence of primary, secondary, or tertiary hydroxyls can vary within these classifications. The compound in the example provided is not a secondary alcohol, as it contains more than two hydroxyl groups.
  • #1
DespicableMe
41
0
How do we figure out the class of the alcohol if there is more than one hydroxyl group attached to the main HC chain?

For example, I know that
CH3 - CH2 - OH is PRIMARY
But what about something like

OH...OH
CH2 - CH - CH2 - CH (The ... is to take up space so that the OH's are on top of a CH)

Why is it a 20 alcohol?
WHen there's more than one OH, which Carbon with the attached OH group do we judge to decide the class?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It isn't done like that. If it has two hydroxyls it is a glycol. It can have some combination of primary, secondary and even tertiary hydroxyls. More than two can be triols (3) or usually just polyols.

Whoever told you that your compound was a secondary alcohol was wrong.
 

1. What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols differ in the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl group. Primary alcohols have one carbon atom attached, secondary alcohols have two, and tertiary alcohols have three. This structural difference affects their physical and chemical properties.

2. How are primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols named?

The naming of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols follows the same rules as other organic compounds. The parent chain is determined by the longest continuous carbon chain containing the hydroxyl group. The number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon bonded to the hydroxyl group is indicated by the prefix "primary," "secondary," or "tertiary."

3. What are some examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

Examples of primary alcohols include methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH). Secondary alcohols include isopropanol (CH3CHOHCH3) and 2-butanol (CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3). Tertiary alcohols include tert-butanol (CH3)3COH and 2-methyl-2-propanol (CH3)3COH.

4. How do primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols differ in reactivity?

Primary alcohols are more reactive than secondary and tertiary alcohols due to the presence of a more electronegative hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom with the hydroxyl group. Primary alcohols can easily be oxidized to aldehydes and carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can only be oxidized to ketones and tertiary alcohols are resistant to oxidation.

5. What are the main uses of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

Primary alcohols are commonly used as solvents and in the production of other chemicals such as acetic acid and ethyl acetate. Secondary alcohols are used as solvents and in the production of fragrances and flavors. Tertiary alcohols are used in the production of rubber and plastics, as well as in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Similar threads

Chemistry Expanding and Naming of Abbreviated Chemical Formulas
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
3-methylheptane draw the structure
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
6K
OChem Tosylation Reaction: Predicting Major Product with p-TsOH Catalyst
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
What is the basicity of carbon: primary, secondary, tertiary
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Why Do Radicals React Differently with Br?
    • Chemistry
Replies
2
Views
791
Organic Chemistry - Nomenclature Structures
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
12K
Ethanoic acid + 3 methyl, butanol -> name?
    • Chemistry
Replies
4
Views
16K
I Early Catalog of Planet-Hosting Multiple Star (≥ 3) Systems
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Chirality of Naproxen: Explaining With CIP Rules
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
8K
Alkylation of acetyl anions They say only primary halides are used, so ?
    • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top