Which of the following is a secondary alcohol?
- A. CH3CH2CH2OH
- B. CH3CH(OH)CH3
- C. (CH3)3COH
- D. CH3OH
Explanation
In propan-2-ol the carbon carrying the hydroxyl group is attached to two other carbons, which is the definition of secondary. Propan-1-ol is primary with one attached carbon, the tertiary butyl compound has three, and methanol has none at all. Classifying the alcohol first is essential, since it determines the oxidation product.
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