Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Ozonolysis followed by treatment with Zn, H$_2$O of cis-2-butene gives ethanal.
Statement II: The product obtained by ozonolysis followed by treatment with Zn, H$_2$O of 3, 6-dimethyloct-4-ene has no chiral carbon atom.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Hint:

For ozonolysis, always check the symmetry of the reactant molecule. Symmetrical cleavage products will not have chiral centers, while asymmetrical products will have chiral centers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze Statement I
Ozonolysis is a reaction where an alkene undergoes cleavage in the presence of ozone (\( \text{O}_3 \)), forming an ozonide intermediate. This ozonide is then reduced by zinc (\( \text{Zn} \)) and water (\( \text{H}_2 \text{O} \)) to give two carbonyl compounds. For cis-2-butene, the reaction proceeds as follows: \[ \text{cis-2-butene} \xrightarrow{O_3} \text{ozonide intermediate} \xrightarrow{Zn, H_2O} \text{ethanal (acetaldehyde)}. \] When cis-2-butene undergoes ozonolysis, the double bond is cleaved symmetrically, producing two molecules of ethanal (acetaldehyde), which is a simple aldehyde. Therefore, Statement I is true
. 
Step 2: Analyze Statement II
For \(\textit{3, 6-dimethyloct-4-ene}\), when ozonolysis occurs followed by treatment with \( \text{Zn} \) and \( \text{H}_2 \text{O} \), the reaction will lead to cleavage of the double bond, forming two products. The key point here is the symmetry of the molecule. 3, 6-dimethyloct-4-ene is a symmetric compound, and the cleavage of the double bond leads to the formation of two carbonyl groups. The product is symmetrical, and therefore, it will not have any chiral centers because both products are non-chiral and identical. In other words, the two products obtained are symmetrical and lack any chiral centers, making Statement II false.