How To Determine If The Carbon Is Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Or Quaternary?

A primary carbon is a carbon that is bonded to only one carbon. A secondary carbon is bonded to two other carbons. A tertiary carbon is bonded to three other carbons. A quaternary carbon is bonded to 4 other carbons.

Let's take a look at this example.

Testosterone is sometimes called the male sex hormone. Its structural formula is shown below: What is the classification of the carbon indicated by the arrow?

Testosterone is sometimes called the male sex hormone. Its structural formula is shown below: What is the classification of the carbon indicated by the arrow?

A) methyl

B) primary

C) secondary

D) tertiary

E) quaternary

Since the carbon that is pointed is connected to two other carbons, it must be secondary.