Question

Which of the following is a primary alcohol?

• A. CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)OH
• B. (CH\(_3\))\(_2\)CHOH
• C. (CH\(_3\))\(_3\)COH
• D. None of these

Hint:

To identify a primary alcohol, look for the –OH group attached to a carbon which is bonded to only one other carbon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

A primary alcohol features a carbon atom bonded to the –OH group that is attached to only one other carbon. In option (A), CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)OH (1-propanol), the –OH group is on the terminal carbon, which connects to only one carbon, thus classifying it as a primary alcohol. Option (B) is a secondary alcohol (2-propanol), and option (C) is a tertiary alcohol (tert-butanol).