Chapter 3, Problem 3.5P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The alcoholic group, $\text{OH}$ and halogen group present in the given synthetic steroid, dexamethasone are to classified as $1^{°}$, $2^{°}$, or $3^{°}$.

Concept introduction: The alkyl halide and alcohol are identified as primary $\left(1^{°}\right)$, secondary $\left(2^{°}\right)$ and tertiary, $\left(3^{°}\right)$. The primary alkyl halide or alcohol is the one in which a halide group or $\text{OH}$ group is attached to that carbon atom which is bonded with one carbon atom only. The secondary alkyl halide or alcohol is the one in which a halide group or $\text{OH}$ group is attached to that carbon atom which is bonded with two carbon atoms. The tertiary alkyl halide or alcohol is the one in which halide group or $\text{OH}$ group is attached to that carbon atom which is bonded with three carbon atoms.