Tertiary (chemistry)

Tertiary is a term used in organic chemistry to classify carbon atoms in organic molecules using the number of other carbon atoms attached to it. A carbon atom, that no bonds or one bond with other carbon atoms is called "primary", with two carbon atoms- secondary, and with three-tertiary. [1]


Red highlighted central atoms in various groups of chemical compounds.

Tertiary central atoms compared with primary, secondary and quaternary central atoms.

primary secondary tertiary quaternary
Carbon atom in an alkane
Alcohol does not exist
Amine
Amide does not exist
Phosphine

See also

References

  1. ^ Vogel, Arthur Israel; Furniss, Brian S., eds. (2007). Vogel's textbook of practical organic chemistry (5. ed., 3rd impression ed.). New Delhi: Pearson Education. ISBN 978-81-7758-957-3.