Compound X has the molecular formula C4H10O2. X has an unbranched carbon chain and contains two OH groups.
On reaction with an excess of hot alkaline potassium permanganate X is converted into a compound of molecular formula C4
H6O4.
To which two carbon atoms in the chain of X are the two OH groups attached?
A. 1st and 2nd
B. 1st and 3rd
C. 1st and 4th
D. 2nd and 3rd
Solution:
The compound X, C4H10O2, is: HO-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-OH
Since the compound get both the hydroxyl groups oxidised to -COOH groups, it indicates that both OH groups are present at both the terminals of carbon chain.
On reaction with alkaline potassium permanganate, Butane-1,4-diol get oxidised to Butane-1,4-dioic acid.
The reaction occurs is:
Hence, the correct option is C. 1st and 4th.