How many structural isomers of will be primary () alcohols (excluding stereoisomers)? — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

First, find the parent alkane chain skeletons for 5 carbons: n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. For primary alcohols, the $-OH$ must attach to a terminal primary carbon. From n-pentane: 1-pentanol. From isopentane: 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol. From neopentane: 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol. This gives exactly 4 primary alcohols.