Chapter 20.3, Problem 4RQ

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A structural formula for 2-propanol needs to be drawn and whether the

alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Alcohol: A hydrocarbon derivative in which the hydroxyl group ( $\text{-OH}$ ) is the functional group. (Alcohols are characterized by the presence of the $\text{-OH}$ group.)

Answer to Problem 4RQ

  

The alcohol is secondary.

Explanation of Solution

The structural formula for 2-propanol is as follows:

  

  $\text{-OH}$ group is located at the number-2 position of the 3-carbon chain and the carbon to which the $\text{-OH}$ is attached also has one R group( ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}$ ) attached. Therefore, alcohol is a secondary alcohol.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A structural formula for 2-methyl-2-propanol needs to be drawn and whether the

alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Alcohol: A hydrocarbon derivative in which the hydroxyl group ( $\text{-OH}$ ) is the functional group. (Alcohols are characterized by the presence of the $\text{-OH}$ group.)

Answer to Problem 4RQ

  

The alcohol is a tertiary alcohol.

Explanation of Solution

The structural formula for 2-methyl-2-propanol is as follows:

  

The alcohol is a tertiary alcohol.

It is tertiary alcohol because the carbon where the $\text{-OH}$ is attached also has two R groups attached.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A structural formula for 4-isopropyl-2-heptanol needs to be drawn and whether the

alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Alcohol: A hydrocarbon derivative in which the hydroxyl group ( $\text{-OH}$ ) is the functional group. (Alcohols are characterized by the presence of the $\text{-OH}$ group.)

Answer to Problem 4RQ

  

It is a secondary alcohol.

Explanation of Solution

The structural formula for 4-isopropyl-2-heptanol is as follows:

  

It is a secondary alcohol, because where the $\text{-OH}$ is attached also has one R group( ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}$ ) attached. Therefore the alcohol is a secondary alcohol.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A structural formula for 2, 3-dichloro-1-pentanol needs to be determined and whether the alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Alcohol: A hydrocarbon derivative in which the hydroxyl group ( $\text{-OH}$ ) is the functional group. (Alcohols are characterized by the presence of the $\text{-OH}$ group.)

Answer to Problem 4RQ

  

It is a primary alcohol.

Explanation of Solution

The structural formula for 2, 3-dichloro-1-pentanol is as follows:

  

It is primary alcohol because the $\text{-OH}$ is attached to the lowest number.