Question

How many molecules are secondary alcohol? 

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Hint:

Always check how many carbon atoms are directly attached to the carbon bearing the –OH group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine how many of the given molecules are secondary alcohols, we need to understand the structure of secondary alcohols.

Definition of Secondary Alcohol: A secondary alcohol is an alcohol in which the hydroxyl group (\text{-OH}) is attached to a carbon atom that is also connected to two other carbon atoms.

Let's examine each structure one by one:

1. (a) The -OH group is not present on a carbon with two other carbon atoms; hence, this is not a secondary alcohol.
2. (b) The -OH group is attached to a carbon with two other carbon atoms, making it a secondary alcohol.
3. (c) The -OH group is attached to a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom, which makes it a primary alcohol.
4. (d) This molecule contains an -OH group attached to a carbon bonded with only one other carbon, so it is not a secondary alcohol.
5. (e) The -OH group is attached to a carbon bonded with two other carbon atoms, qualifying it as a secondary alcohol.

Based on the analysis, the structures (b) and (e) are secondary alcohols. Thus, there are 2 secondary alcohols from the options provided.

The correct answer should be 2 (not 3 as previously mentioned).