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Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Alcohols | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Introduction

  • Alkanols are a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to an alkyl group.
  • The structure of alkanols can be classified into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary, based on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group.

Primary Alkanols

  • Also known as 1-alcohols or primary alcohols.
  • In primary alkanols, the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group is bonded to only one other carbon atom.
  • General formula: RCH2OH (R represents an alkyl group).
  • Examples: Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (CH3CH2OH).

Secondary Alkanols

  • Also known as 2-alcohols or secondary alcohols.
  • In secondary alkanols, the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group is bonded to two other carbon atoms.
  • General formula: R2CHOH (R represents an alkyl group).
  • Examples: Isopropyl alcohol (CH3CHOHCH3), Butan-2-ol (CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3).

Tertiary Alkanols

  • Also known as 3-alcohols or tertiary alcohols.
  • In tertiary alkanols, the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group is bonded to three other carbon atoms.
  • General formula: R3COH (R represents an alkyl group).
  • Examples: 2-Methyl-2-propanol (CH3C(CH3)2OH), 2-Methylbutan-2-ol (CH3C(CH3)(CH2)CH3OH).

Comparison of the Classes of Alkanols

Boiling Points

  • Primary alkanols generally have higher boiling points compared to secondary and tertiary alkanols.
  • This is due to stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding between primary alkanol molecules.

Solubility

  • Alkanols with fewer than five carbon atoms are soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
  • Solubility decreases with an increase in the size of the alkyl group attached to the hydroxyl group.

Reactivity

  • Primary alkanols are more reactive than secondary and tertiary alkanols.
  • Primary alkanols readily undergo oxidation reactions to form aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
  • Secondary and tertiary alkanols are less easily oxidized.

Stability

  • Tertiary alkanols are more stable than primary and secondary alkanols.
  • The presence of three alkyl groups attached to the hydroxyl-bearing carbon atom enhances stability by providing steric hindrance.
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