A primary alcohol is an alcohol in which the hydroxy group is bonded to a primary carbon atom. It can also be defined as a molecule containing a “–CH 2 OH” group. [1]

This page defines an alcohol, and explains the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols. It examines in some detail their simple physical properties such as solubility and boiling points.

Dec 12, 2025 · Discover the definition, structure, and essential properties of primary alcohols in this comprehensive guide. Learn what makes them unique in organic chemistry.

Primary alcohols A primary alcohol is one in which the hydroxyl group (–OH) is attached to a carbon atom with at least two hydrogen atoms.

Methanol, CH 3 OH, is counted as a primary alcohol even though there are no alkyl groups attached to the carbon with the -OH group on it. Secondary alcohols In a secondary (2°) alcohol, the carbon with …

In subject area: Chemistry Primary alcohols are defined as organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom that is connected to one other carbon …

Alcohol can be classified into three types depending upon the number of alkyl or aryl groups to which this alpha-carbon is bonded. They are called primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.

A primary alcohol is an organic compound containing a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a saturated carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom.

Aug 29, 2025 · A primary alcohol is defined by the position of its hydroxyl group within the carbon framework. The carbon atom directly bonded to the -OH group is attached to only one other carbon …

Sep 17, 2014 · To determine if an alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary, examine the carbon attached to OH. If that carbon is attached to one carbon, the alcohol is primary; two, secondary; …