Final answer:
Secondary alcohols are those where the carbon with the OH group is attached to two other carbons. From the given options, (a) (CH₃)₂CHOH and (d) CH₃CHOHCH₃ are secondary alcohols, as they fit the definition and general formula R₂CHOH.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which option is a secondary alcohol, we need to look for a molecule where the carbon atom holding the OH group is attached to two other carbon atoms. Secondary alcohols have the general formula R₂CHOH, where the OH group is bound to a carbon (C) that is also attached to two additional carbon atoms (R groups).
Looking at the compounds given:
- (a) (CH₃)₂CHOH - This is a secondary alcohol because the OH group is on a carbon attached to two methyl groups (CH₃).
- (b) CH₃CH₂OH - This is a primary alcohol since the OH group is on a carbon attached to only one other carbon.
- (c) CH₃CH₂CH₂OH - This is also a primary alcohol for the same reason as (b).
- (d) CH₃CHOHCH₃ - This is a secondary alcohol because the central carbon with the OH group is attached to two other carbon atoms.
- (e) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH - This is a primary alcohol as the OH group is on a carbon attached to only one other carbon atom.
Therefore, the correct answers are (a) (CH₃)₂CHOH and (d) CH₃CHOHCH₃ as both are secondary alcohols.