Question

which is a secondary alcohol?
h—o—c—o—h
h h h h
h—c—c—c—c—o—h
h h h h
ch₃
h—c—ch₂—oh
ch₃
h
ch₃—c—ch₂ch₂ch₃
oh
more than one of the compounds is a secondary alcohol.

Explanation:

A secondary alcohol has the -OH group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms. Analyzing each structure:

• The first structure is a carboxylic - acid (not an alcohol).
• The second is a primary alcohol ( - OH on a terminal C).
• The third is a primary alcohol ( - OH on a terminal C).
• The fourth has the - OH group on a C that is bonded to two other C - atoms (a secondary alcohol).

Answer:

The fourth - option structure (with - OH on a C bonded to two other C - atoms) is a secondary alcohol.