What does -iso mean in isopropyl?

Question

I thought that -iso denoted a primary carbon, bonded to one other carbon. But the example I am looking at is isopropyl, which appears to be referring to the middle Carbon atom bonded to 2 other carbons. If someone wouldn't mind explaining why isopropyl is not sec-propyl I would be very very grateful :)

Answer 1

No. iso- means its a constitutional ISOmer of root chain.

For example



propyl - indicated 3 carbons in a branch chain.



It could either be. CH3CH2CH2- or CH3CH-

I

CH3

Answer 2

The simplest way to understand the difference between the two is that iso propyl would be the group that always has two methyl groups attached to the last carbon in the chain. Now if the total carbon atoms in that alkyl group are 3, it would be isopropyl and if four, isobutyl and so on...but the point is that the METHYL groups must be attached to the LAST carbon. In secondary alkyl groups, u just need a carbon atom attached further to just two more carbon atoms...the groups may or may not be methyl and the carbon may not be central. All secondary alkyl groups are not iso alkyl groups but all iso alkyl groups are secondary alkyl groups.

Answer 3

Isopropyl Definition

Answer 4

iso -- mean same

in chemistry when two methyl groups are attached to SAME C- atom then that

compound is called iso as---------

( CH3) CH( CH3)- CH3 so it is iso- butane

CH3-CH(CH3)- CH2 -CH3 -- ISO PENTANE

CH3CH(CH3) CH2-CH2-CH3 ISO HEXANE

NOW -- iso -propyl means ---

( CH3)2 - CH- NOW (CH3)2 -CH - OH it is isopyl alcohol [ it is secondary alcohol ]

IN THE SAME WAY (CH3)2 -CH- CH2- iso butyl

(CH3)2 CH- CH2 - CH2- ISO PENTYL

note--------- p-- primary --- when any C-atom is attached to one C-atom e.g.

s- sec,---- when any C-atom is attached to 2 C- atoms

t- tertiary --when any C-atom is attached to 3 -C-atoms

e.g (p)C) C(s) -C (t)-C (s) - C (p)

----------------------|

---------------------C(p)