Final answer:
Alcohols can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom bearing the -OH group.
Step-by-step explanation:
The classification of alcohols as primary, secondary, or tertiary is based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group (-OH).
A primary alcohol has one carbon atom bonded to the carbon atom with the -OH group. An example is ethanol (CH3CH2OH).
A secondary alcohol has two carbon atoms bonded to the carbon atom with the -OH group. An example is isopropanol (CH3CHOHCH3).
A tertiary alcohol has three carbon atoms bonded to the carbon atom with the -OH group. An example is tert-butanol (CH3COH(CH3)2).