Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which one of the following is an example of a primary alcohol in organic chemistry?
A
Isopropanol (C3H8O)
B
Tert-butanol (C4H10O)
C
Methanol (CH3OH)
D
Phenol (C6H5OH)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a primary alcohol: A primary alcohol is an alcohol in which the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom that is only connected to one other carbon atom or none if it's a simple alcohol like methanol.
Examine the structure of each compound: Methanol (CH3OH) has a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon that is only connected to hydrogen atoms, making it a primary alcohol.
Analyze Isopropanol (C3H8O): The hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon that is connected to two other carbon atoms, classifying it as a secondary alcohol.
Consider Tert-butanol (C4H10O): The hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon that is connected to three other carbon atoms, making it a tertiary alcohol.
Review Phenol (C6H5OH): Although it contains a hydroxyl group, it is not classified as a primary alcohol because the -OH group is attached to an aromatic ring, not a saturated carbon atom.