WAEC Chemistry 2016 Paper

Concept:A secondary alkanol has its $-\mathrm{OH}$ group attached to a carbon atom which is bonded to exactly two other carbon atoms.Explanation:i) In compound I, the carbon bearing $-\mathrm{OH}$ is bonded to only one other carbon atom. Hence it is a primary alkanol.ii) In compound II, $\mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH(OH)CH_3}$, the carbon bearing $-\mathrm{OH}$ is attached to two other carbon groups, $\mathrm{CH_3CH_2-}$ and $\mathrm{CH_3-}$. Hence it is a secondary alkanol.iii) In compound III, $\mathrm{CH_3C(OH)(CH_3)CH_3}$, the carbon bearing $-\mathrm{OH}$ is attached to three methyl groups. Hence it is a tertiary alkanol.Answer:Only compound II is a secondary alkanol. The correct option is B.