Tertiary is a term used in organic chemistry to classify carbon atoms in organic molecules using the number of other carbon atoms attached to it. A carbon atom, that no bonds or one bond with other carbon atoms is called "primary", with two carbon atoms- secondary, and with three-tertiary.
Red highlighted central atoms in various groups of chemical compounds. Tertiary central atoms compared with primary, secondary and quaternary central atoms. primary secondary tertiary quaternary Carbon atom in an alkane Alcohol does not exist Amine Amide does not exist Phosphine
See also Primary (chemistry) Secondary (chemistry) Quaternary (chemistry)
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