Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary

Definition

A primary alkyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is connected to only one other carbon atom. It is the simplest form of an alkyl chain in organic chemistry.

Related terms

Alkanes:

Hydrocarbons consisting entirely of single-bonded carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Functional Groups:

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties, often dictating the chemical behavior of the molecule.

Methane:

The simplest alkane, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, often serving as a starting point for forming a primary alkyl group.