tertalcohols

Tert-alcohols, also known as tertiary alcohols, are a class of organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom that is itself bonded to three other carbon atoms. This structural feature distinguishes them from primary and secondary alcohols, where the hydroxyl-bearing carbon is attached to one or two other carbon atoms, respectively. The general formula for a tert-alcohol is R1R2R3COH, where R1, R2, and R3 are alkyl or aryl groups.

The tert-butyl alcohol, (CH3)3COH, is the simplest and most well-known tert-alcohol. Its unique structure, with three methyl groups surrounding the central carbon, leads to distinct chemical properties. Due to the steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group, tert-alcohols are generally less reactive in oxidation reactions compared to primary and secondary alcohols. They are resistant to oxidation under mild conditions that would readily oxidize primary and secondary alcohols.

However, tert-alcohols can undergo SN1 (unimolecular nucleophilic substitution) reactions and dehydration reactions quite readily. The tertiary carbocation intermediate formed during SN1 reactions is relatively stable, facilitating this type of substitution. Dehydration, the removal of water to form an alkene, also proceeds easily via an E1 mechanism due to the stability of the tertiary carbocation. These alcohols are often used as intermediates in organic synthesis and as solvents.