Question

Why is cyclohexanol a secondary alcohol?

Answer 1

Cyclohexanol is a secondary alcohol because the `-OH` group is attached to a secondary carbon if the ring.

Explanation:

Carbon atoms in an organic compound may be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary based on whether they are attached to a single carbon, two carbon atoms or three carbon atoms.

In cyclohexane, all the carbon atoms are secondary.

As you may see, all carbon atoms are attached to two carbon atoms on their sides. Thus, all the carbon atoms are secondary.

Thus, when `-OH` group is attached to any one of the carbon atoms, it is attached to a secondary carbon atom and thus the alcohol is secondary.