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What is the difference between a primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol
Accepted Answer
Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols differ based on the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon atom holding the hydroxyl (-OH) group.
Primary alcohols: Have one carbon atom directly bonded to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (R-CH2-OH).
Secondary alcohols: Have two carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (R2CH-OH).
Tertiary alcohols: Have three carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (R3C-OH).
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