Question

Which of the following contains 2 primary –OH groups in its structure?

• A. Glycerol
• B. Ethylene glycol
• C. Isopropyl alcohol
• D. Ethanoic Acid

Hint:

A primary alcohol group is attached to a carbon that is connected to only one other carbon. In contrast, a secondary alcohol group is connected to two other carbons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Ethylene glycol (C\(_2\)H\(_6\)O\(_2\)) contains two primary alcohol groups, meaning two –OH groups are attached to two different carbon atoms, and each carbon is attached to one other carbon atom (making them primary alcohols). The structure of glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups attached to different carbons, but two of these carbons are secondary alcohols because they are bonded to two other carbons. Isopropyl alcohol (C\(_3\)H\(_7\)OH) only has one primary alcohol group and a secondary alcohol group. Thus, Ethylene glycol is the correct answer because it contains two primary –OH groups.