MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

A benzylic alcohol has the -OH group attached to a carbon atom that is directly bonded to a benzene ring (benzylic carbon). For the alcohol to be tertiary (3^ ), the benzylic carbon must be bonded to three other carbon atoms (one from the benzene ring and two other alkyl groups). Let us analyze the given options: Option (326143): The structure is benzyl alcohol (Ph-CH_2-OH). The benzylic carbon is bonded to only one carbon atom (from the benzene ring). It is a primary (1^ ) benzylic alcohol. Option (326144): The structure is 1-phenylpropan-1-ol (Ph-CH(OH)-CH_2-CH_3). The benzylic carbon is bonded to two carbon atoms (one from the benzene ring and one from the ethyl group). It is a secondary (2^ ) benzylic alcohol. Option (326145): The structure is 1-phenylethan-1-ol (Ph-CH(OH)-CH_3). The benzylic carbon is bonded to two carbon atoms (one from the benzene ring and one from the methyl group). It is a secondary (2^ ) benzylic alcohol. Option (326146): The structure is 2-phenylpropan-2-ol (Ph-C(CH_3)_2-OH). The benzylic carbon is bonded to three carbon atoms (one from the benzene ring and two from the methyl groups). It is a tertiary (3^ ) benzylic alcohol. Answer: