Primary (chemistry)
This article is about general bonding patterns. For sequence and cross-linking of proteins and nucleic acids, see primary structure.
Primary is a term used in organic chemistry to classify various types of compounds (e.g. alcohols, alkyl halides, amines) or reactive intermediates (e.g. alkyl radicals, carbocations).
| Red highlighted central atoms in various groups of chemical compounds. Primary central atoms compared with secondary, tertiary and quaternary central atoms. | ||||
| primary | secondary | tertiary | quaternary | |
| Carbon atom in an alkane |  |
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| Alcohol |  |
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does not exist |
| Amine |  |
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| Amide |  |
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does not exist |
| Phosphine |  |
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See also
References
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