Question

How many carbons are there in `(CH_3)_2CHOH`?

Answer 1

How many carbons in isopropanol? Well, I count 3 in the given formula.

Explanation:

The molecular formula of isopropanol is `C_3H_7OH`. Of butanol, it is `C_4H_9OH`; of pentanol, `C_5H_11OH`. I am simply adding a methylene group, `CH_2`, to extend the carbon chain.

What about methyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol?