Chemistry Alcohols & Phenols MDCAT 2011
PMDC Verified Question 93 of 95
Which of the following is secondary alcohol?
A
\(\text{CH}_3-\text{CH}(\text{OH})-\text{CH}_3\)
B
\(\text{CH}_2(\text{OH})-\text{CH}(\text{OH})-\text{CH}_2(\text{OH})\)
C
\(\text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_2-\text{OH}\)
D
\(\text{CH}_3-\text{C}(\text{CH}_3)(\text{OH})-\text{CH}_3\)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \(\text{CH}_3-\text{CH}(\text{OH})-\text{CH}_3\)
Concept:

A secondary (2°) alcohol has the hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to an alpha carbon that is directly bonded to exactly two other carbon atoms (alkyl groups).

Formula:

$$ \text{R}_2\text{CH-OH} $$

Solution:

  • In option A (isopropyl alcohol), the alpha carbon is bonded to two methyl groups, classifying it as a secondary alcohol.


Why other options are incorrect:

Option B is glycerol (a trihydric alcohol). Option C is a primary alcohol (1-propanol). Option D is a tertiary alcohol (tert-butyl alcohol).

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