Why are primary alcohol more polar than tertiary alcohols?

Question

Why are primary alcohol more polar than tertiary alcohols?

Answer 1

Consider a primary alcohol that has a structure like C--OH

then consider a tertiary alcohol that has a structure similar to
CH3
|
H3C--C--OH
|
CH3

In a primary alcohol such as the one shown above, the distribution of charge is relatively polar due to the presence of only one other carbon atom with one very electronegative oxygen atom. In a tertiary alcohol, there are four carbon atoms versus only one electronegative oxygen atom. Therefore, in the tertiary carbon, the polarity is greatly less because the polarity is balanced by the presence of so many carbon atoms around the molecule.

Answer 2

A primary alcohol only has 1 -OH group on it, so there is an unequal distribution of charge across the molcule. But, tertiary alcohols have 3 -OH groups dispersed?

Wow, orgo was a LONG time ago, LOL - I apologize if I'm wrong!

Answer 3

That one hydroxal group is not opposed by all the carbons and hydrogen's in the secondary and tertiary alcohols; hence, primaries are more polar.

Answer 4

Because the covalen bond is shorter and it is easier to be broken, that is why its more polar.