The Student Room Group

Primary or secondary structure?

I have a couple quick questions.
I get so confused when working out whether an alcohol is primary, secondary or tertiary.

Does anyone know which ones these are?

2-methylhexan-1-ol
3-methylpentan-2-ol

Thank you :smile:


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Reply 1
Draw the displayed formula for each of the two molecules.

You'll then be able to see the number of alkyl groups to which the carbon holding the alcohol group connects.

If it connects to one alkyl group (eg, CH2, or CH3) as well as the alcohol, it's primary.

If it connects to two alkyl groups as well as the alcohol it's secondary.

If it connects to three alkyl groups as well as the alcohol it's tertiary.

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