KCET2026ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Glycerol is a trihydric alcohol. It contains ____.
Options
- AOne primary, one secondary and one tertiary alcoholic groups
- BTwo primary and one secondary alcoholic groups
- CTwo secondary and one primary alcoholic groups
- DOne primary and two tertiary alcoholic groups
Correct answer
B. Two primary and one secondary alcoholic groups
Step-by-step solution
The chemical formula of glycerol is CH₂(OH)-CH(OH)-CH₂(OH) . The two terminal -OH groups are attached to primary carbon atoms ( -CH₂- ), making them primary alcoholic groups. The middle -OH group is attached to a secondary carbon atom ( -CH- ), making it a secondary alcoholic group. Therefore, glycerol contains two primary and one secondary alcoholic groups. Answer: Two primary and one secondary alcoholic groups