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

Verified step by step guidance

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Examine the structure of the alcohol provided in the image. Identify the carbon atom directly bonded to the hydroxyl (-OH) group.
3. 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.
4. 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°).
5. Step 5: Confirm your classification by double-checking the structure and ensuring the correct number of alkyl groups has been identified.

Key Concepts

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 using structural formulas that show the arrangement of atoms. Recognizing how to interpret these structures allows one to identify whether the alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the connectivity of the carbon atoms.

Reactivity and Properties

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