What is the Difference Between 1 Propanol and 2 Propanol?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between 1-propanol and 2-propanol lies in the position of the hydroxyl group on the carbon backbone of the molecule:
- 1-Propanol: The hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to the terminal carbon atom of the molecule. It is a primary alcohol and is also known as Propan-1-ol.
- 2-Propanol: The hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to the middle carbon atom of the molecule. It is a secondary alcohol and is also known as Isopropanol or Propan-2-ol.
Both 1-propanol and 2-propanol are saturated aliphatic alcohols containing three carbon atoms in a straight chain. They share several similarities, such as having the same formula, containing three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and a hydroxyl group. They are also both colorless liquids, have the same molar mass, and can be used as solvents.
However, the structural nuances between the two molecules cause differences in their properties. For example, 2-propanol is generally more reactive, more stable, and less acidic than 1-propanol. Additionally, when undergoing oxidation, 2-propanol forms ketones instead of aldehydes.
Comparative Table: 1 Propanol vs 2 Propanol
The main difference between 1-propanol and 2-propanol lies in the position of the hydroxyl group (-OH) in the molecule:
Property | 1-Propanol (C3H8O) | 2-Propanol (C3H8O) |
---|---|---|
Structure | 1-propanol has its hydroxyl group attached to the terminal carbon atom of the molecule | 2-propanol has its hydroxyl group attached to the middle carbon atom of the molecule |
Class | 1-propanol is a primary alcohol | 2-propanol is a secondary alcohol |
Reactivity | 1-propanol is generally less reactive than 2-propanol | 2-propanol is more reactive than 1-propanol |
Stability | 1-propanol is less stable than 2-propanol | 2-propanol is more stable than 1-propanol |
pKa | The pKa value for 1-propanol is not provided in the search results; please note that pKa values can vary depending on sources. | The pKa value for 2-propanol is not provided in the search results; please note that pKa values can vary depending on sources. |
Despite these differences, both compounds share some similarities:
- They are both alcoholic compounds
- They both have the same molecular formula (C3H8O)
- They both contain three carbon atoms
- They both contain eight hydrogen atoms
- They both contain a hydroxyl group
In summary, 1-propanol and 2-propanol are isomeric forms of propanol, differing only in the position of the hydroxyl group in the molecule. This structural difference leads to variations in their class, reactivity, stability, and other properties.
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