Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur

Naming Alcohols

GOB Chemistry

14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur

Naming Alcohols

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Problem 10d

Textbook Question

Classify each of the following alcohols as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°):
d.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the classification of alcohols. Alcohols are classified based on the number of alkyl groups (R groups) attached to the carbon atom that is bonded to the hydroxyl (-OH) group. A primary (1°) alcohol has one alkyl group, a secondary (2°) alcohol has two alkyl groups, and a tertiary (3°) alcohol has three alkyl groups attached to the carbon with the -OH group.

Step 2: Examine the structure of the alcohol provided in the image. Identify the carbon atom directly bonded to the hydroxyl (-OH) group.

Step 3: Count the number of alkyl groups (R groups) attached to the carbon atom bonded to the -OH group. Remember that hydrogen atoms do not count as alkyl groups.

Step 4: Based on the number of alkyl groups, classify the alcohol. If there is one alkyl group, it is primary (1°); if there are two, it is secondary (2°); and if there are three, it is tertiary (3°).

Step 5: Confirm your classification by double-checking the structure and ensuring the correct number of alkyl groups has been identified.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Alcohol Classification

Alcohols are classified based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl (-OH) group. A primary (1°) alcohol has one carbon atom attached to the carbon with the -OH group, a secondary (2°) alcohol has two, and a tertiary (3°) alcohol has three. This classification is crucial for understanding the reactivity and properties of different alcohols.

Structural Representation

Understanding the structural representation of alcohols is essential for classification. Alcohols can be depicted in various forms, such as structural formulas or skeletal formulas, which show the arrangement of atoms. Recognizing how to interpret these representations allows one to identify the type of alcohol based on its structure.

Reactivity and Properties of Alcohols

The classification of alcohols into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories significantly influences their chemical reactivity and physical properties. For instance, primary alcohols tend to undergo oxidation more readily than tertiary alcohols. This knowledge is important for predicting the behavior of alcohols in chemical reactions and their applications in organic synthesis.