Question

What is the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols?

Answer 1

The alcohol contains functional group -OH.
You have to check for the hydroxy carbon i.e. the carbon to which this -OH is bonded to.

If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to only one carbon, then it is called as primary alcohol. Eg. `CH_3CH_2OH`

If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to two carbons, then it is called as secondary alcohol. Eg. `CH_3CH(OH)CH_3`

If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to three carbons, then it is called as tertiary alcohol. Eg. `(CH_3)_3COH`

Note : you do not look for the OH bonded with number of carbons. you look for the hydroxy carbon bonded to number of carbons.