What is the Difference Between 1 Propanol and 2 Propanol?

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:

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.