Question

A __________ alcohol is one in which there is only one hydrocarbon group attached to the carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group.

Short answer

A primary alcohol is one in which there is only one hydrocarbon group attached to the carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group. The general formula for a primary alcohol is \(RCH_2OH\), where R represents the hydrocarbon group.

Step-by-step solution

Name of Alcohol With One Hydrocarbon Group

The type of alcohol with only one hydrocarbon group attached to the carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group is called a primary alcohol.

Structure of Primary Alcohol

In a primary alcohol, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon that is bonded to only one other hydrocarbon group and the rest of the bonds are with hydrogen atoms. The general formula for a primary alcohol is RCH_2OH, where R represents the hydrocarbon group.

Key concepts

Primary Alcohol

A primary alcohol is a type of alcohol where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom, which in turn is connected to only one hydrocarbon group. This unique placement gives primary alcohols specific chemical properties.

Primary alcohols can be represented by the general formula RCH₂OH, where "R" denotes the hydrocarbon group. The carbon holding the hydroxyl group is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, aside from the R group. This simple structure is a defining feature of primary alcohols.

The position of the hydroxyl group in primary alcohols allows them to undergo reactions such as oxidation, where they can transform into aldehydes or carboxylic acids under the right conditions. Understanding the basic structure and chemistry of primary alcohols is key in grasping how they interact in various chemical reactions.

Hydroxyl Group

The hydroxyl group is a vital component of alcohols, recognizable by its -OH configuration. This group is crucial because it imparts the alcohol's characteristic properties.

The hydroxyl group is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms. This polarity results in hydrogen bonding, giving alcohols high boiling points compared to other organic compounds of similar size.

Moreover, the hydroxyl group makes alcohols soluble in water. This solubility decreases as the length of the hydrocarbon chain increases, altering the alcohol's physical properties. Hydroxyl groups not only define alcohols but also play a key role in their reactivity and function in living organisms and industrial applications.

Due to their essential properties, hydroxyl groups are part of many biochemical processes and are present in various nutrients and drugs.

Hydrocarbon Group

Hydrocarbon groups are fundamental building blocks in organic chemistry. They are composed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. In alcohols, these groups are attached to the carbon of the hydroxyl-bearing carbon, thus affecting the alcohol's properties.

The simplest hydrocarbon group is the methyl group (CH₃), but there is a wide range from simple alkanes to more complex aromatic ring structures. The complexity and size of the hydrocarbon group can influence the physical and chemical properties of the alcohol it forms.

In primary alcohols, the hydrocarbon group is vital in determining the substance's volatility, solubility, and ease of transformation into other compounds. The interaction between hydrocarbon groups and hydroxyl groups defines the unique characteristics necessary for understanding chemical behavior and synthesis.

Given how they form the backbone of alcohol structures, recognizing the influence of hydrocarbon groups is crucial for students delving into organic chemistry.