Tertiary

Definition

Tertiary refers to the third stage or level of a sequence or hierarchy. In the context of organic chemistry, it describes the position of a functional group or substituent on a carbon atom within a molecule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tertiary carbon atoms in organic molecules have three alkyl or aryl groups attached to a central carbon.
2. Tertiary amines are a class of organic compounds where the nitrogen atom is bonded to three alkyl or aryl groups.
3. Tertiary amides are a type of amide where the nitrogen atom is bonded to three alkyl or aryl groups.
4. Tertiary alcohols have the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a tertiary carbon atom.
5. The presence of a tertiary carbon or nitrogen atom can significantly impact the reactivity and stability of organic compounds.

Review Questions

• Explain the structural features of a tertiary carbon atom and how it differs from primary and secondary carbon atoms.
  • A tertiary carbon atom is bonded to three alkyl or aryl groups, whereas a primary carbon atom is bonded to one alkyl or aryl group, and a secondary carbon atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. The increased number of substituents on a tertiary carbon atom affects the hybridization, bond angles, and reactivity of the molecule compared to primary and secondary carbon atoms.
• Describe the characteristics of tertiary amines and tertiary amides, and how their structures impact their chemical properties.
  • Tertiary amines have a nitrogen atom bonded to three alkyl or aryl groups, while tertiary amides have a nitrogen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups and a carbonyl group. The presence of the tertiary nitrogen atom in these compounds affects their basicity, nucleophilicity, and susceptibility to substitution reactions. Additionally, the steric hindrance around the nitrogen atom can impact the stability and reactivity of tertiary amines and amides.
• Analyze how the position of a tertiary carbon or nitrogen atom within a molecule can influence the overall reactivity and behavior of the compound.
  • The location of a tertiary carbon or nitrogen atom within a molecule can significantly impact the reactivity and stability of the compound. Tertiary carbon atoms are more stable than primary or secondary carbon atoms due to the increased number of alkyl or aryl substituents, which can stabilize carbocations formed during reactions. Similarly, tertiary amines and amides exhibit distinct reactivity patterns compared to their primary and secondary counterparts due to the steric and electronic effects of the tertiary substituents. Understanding the role of tertiary functional groups is crucial for predicting and explaining the behavior of organic molecules in various chemical transformations.

Related terms

Primary: Referring to the first or most important level or stage in a sequence.

Secondary: Referring to the second level or stage in a sequence.

Quaternary: Referring to the fourth level or stage in a sequence.