Ex: 1-propanol
2-propanol
2006-10-26 16:33:10 · 5 answers · asked by ChaseMakesMeSmile 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It refers to the ordinal number of the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl radical is attached.
1-propanol has the OH radical attached to the first carbon atom. 2-propanol had the OH radical attached to the second carbon atom.
2006-10-26 16:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It refers to the shape of the molecule.
As you can see from the source 1-propanol is a straight line while 2-propanal is a T shape. It is refering to the site on the carbon chain where the alcohol attachs. 1 for the first carbon, 2 for the second and so on.
2006-10-26 23:44:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless you're refering to proofs (percentages of alcohol) the numbers in front are reference to the chemical formation of said alcohol. This is because the simple molecular formula is indistinct from each other even though the formation and properties are different.
Ex:
1-propanol = CH3CH2CH2OH (C3H8O)
2-propanol = CH3CHOHCH3 (C3H8O)
2006-10-26 23:41:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The " address " of the functional group. What carbon you will find it on.
2006-10-26 23:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
alcohol percentage maybe?
2006-10-26 23:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by wheels47012 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋