Write the common name and classify each of the following compounds as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°): (14.5)
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional group present in the compound. Look for the -OH group, which indicates an alcohol.
2. Determine the number of carbon atoms directly attached to the carbon bearing the -OH group. This will help classify the alcohol as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°).
3. If the carbon with the -OH group is attached to one other carbon, it is a primary (1°) alcohol. If attached to two other carbons, it is a secondary (2°) alcohol. If attached to three other carbons, it is a tertiary (3°) alcohol.
4. Use the IUPAC naming system to determine the common name of the alcohol. This involves identifying the longest carbon chain containing the -OH group and numbering it to give the -OH group the lowest possible number.
5. Combine the classification and the common name to fully describe the compound, such as 'primary alcohol' or 'secondary alcohol', along with its common name.

Key Concepts

Classification of Alcohols

Alcohols are classified based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl (-OH) group. Primary (1°) alcohols have one carbon attached, secondary (2°) alcohols have two, and tertiary (3°) alcohols have three. This classification is crucial for understanding their chemical properties and reactivity.

Structural Representation

Understanding how to interpret structural formulas is essential for classifying compounds. Structural representations show the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, allowing one to identify functional groups and the degree of carbon connectivity, which is key in determining whether a compound is primary, secondary, or tertiary.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical properties and reactions of those molecules. In the context of alcohols, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is the functional group that defines their behavior, and recognizing this helps in classifying the compounds accurately.