Secondary (chemistry)
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Secondary is a term used in
Red highlighted central atoms in various groups of chemical compounds. Secondary central atoms compared with primary, tertiary und quaternary central atoms. | ||||
primary | secondary | tertiary | quaternary | |
Carbon atom in an alkane |
This nomenclature can be used in many cases and further used to explain relative reactivity. The reactivity of molecules varies with respect to the attached atoms. Thus, a primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary molecule of the same function group will have different reactivities.
Secondary alcohols
Secondary alcohols have the formula RCH(OH)R' where R and R' are organyl.[2]
Primary | Secondary | Tertiary | Quarternary | |
Alcohol | does not exist |
Secondary amines
A secondary amine has the formula RR'NH where R and R' are organyl.
Primary | Secondary | Tertiary | Quaternary | |
Amine |
Secondary amides
Secondary amides have the formula RC(O)NHR' where R can be H or organyl and R' is organyl.[3] which is the loss of the single proton bonded to the middle nitrogen.
Primary | Secondary | Tertiary | Quarternary | |
Amide | does not exist |
Secondary phosphines
Secondary phosphines have two 'R' groups attached to a phosphorus atom and again, a P-H bond.[4]
Primary | Secondary | Tertiary | Quarternary | |
Phosphine |
Further uses
"Secondary" is a general term used in chemistry that can be applied to many molecules, even more than the ones listed here; the principles seen in these examples can be further applied to other functional group containing molecules. The ones shown above are common molecules seen in many organic reactions. By classifying a molecule as secondary it then be compared with a molecule of primary or tertiary nature to determine the relative reactivity.
See also
References
- ^ Ashenhurst, James (2010-06-16). "Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary In Organic Chemistry". Master Organic Chemistry. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
- ^ "alcohol - Structure and classification of alcohols | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
- ^ "Secondary Amide - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
- ISSN 0010-8545.