In primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, the –OH group is attached to primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon atoms, respectively, in the alkyl group.
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Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols are classified based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached. In primary alcohols, the hydroxyl group is bonded to a carbon atom that is connected to only one other carbon. Secondary alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom linked to two other carbons, while tertiary alcohols have the hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom connected to three other carbons. This classification is vital because it influences the reactivity and physical properties of alcohols, with primary alcohols often exhibiting distinct behavior compared to secondary and tertiary counterparts.