Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols are classifications of alcohols based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group -OH is attached. The difference between these three types of alcohols lies in the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group. Their chemical reactivity also varies due to this structural difference.1. Primary alcohols 1 : In primary alcohols, the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is bonded to only one other carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms. The general formula for primary alcohols is RCH2OH, where R is an alkyl group. For example, ethanol CH3CH2OH is a primary alcohol.2. Secondary alcohols 2 : In secondary alcohols, the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is bonded to two other carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom. The general formula for secondary alcohols is R2CHOH, where R is an alkyl group. For example, isopropanol CH3CHOHCH3 is a secondary alcohol.3. Tertiary alcohols 3 : In tertiary alcohols, the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is bonded to three other carbon atoms and no hydrogen atoms. The general formula for tertiary alcohols is R3COH, where R is an alkyl group. For example, tert-butanol CH3C OH CH3 2 is a tertiary alcohol.The chemical reactivity of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols differs mainly in their oxidation reactions. Primary alcohols can be oxidized to form aldehydes RCHO and further to carboxylic acids RCOOH using oxidizing agents like potassium dichromate K2Cr2O7 or potassium permanganate KMnO4 . Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to form ketones RCOR' using similar oxidizing agents. However, tertiary alcohols do not undergo oxidation reactions under normal conditions, as they lack the hydrogen atom on the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group, which is necessary for oxidation to occur.For example:- Ethanol a primary alcohol can be oxidized to form acetaldehyde CH3CHO and further to acetic acid CH3COOH .- Isopropanol a secondary alcohol can be oxidized to form acetone CH3COCH3 .- Tert-butanol a tertiary alcohol does not undergo oxidation under normal conditions.In summary, primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols differ in the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group. This structural difference affects their chemical reactivity, particularly in oxidation reactions, where primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes and carboxylic acids, secondary alcohols to ketones, and tertiary alcohols do not undergo oxidation under normal conditions.