Question

Isopentyl alcohol reacts with reagent X → carboxylic acid → decarboxylation → Y. Reaction of Y with Z → t-butyl alcohol. Identify X and Z.

• A. X: PCC; Z missing
• B. X: KMnO$_4$/H$^+$; Z: KMnO$_4$
• C. X: PCC; Z: (CH$_3$COO)$_2$Mn, $\Delta$
• D. X: KMnO$_4$; Z: O$_2$, Cu/$\Delta$

Hint:

Remember oxidation of alcohols by KMnO$_4$ and decarboxylation sequences in organic synthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

KMnO$_4$/H$^+$ oxidizes primary alcohol to carboxylic acid. Decarboxylation yields Y (propane). Further oxidation gives t-butyl alcohol.