Question

Ozonolysis of o-xylene produces:

• A. I:III=1:2
• B. II:III=2:1
• C. I:II:III=1:2:3
• D. I:II:III=3:2:1

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Ozonolysis of o-xylene involves the cleavage of the double bonds in the aromatic ring, leading to the formation of three carbonyl compounds:

• Compound I: CH₃–C(O)–C(O)–CH₃ (produced once),
• Compound II: CH₃–C(O)–C(O)–H (produced twice),
• Compound III: H–C(O)–C(O)–H (produced thrice).

The ratios of the products formed depend on the symmetry of the molecule and the distribution of substituents around the aromatic ring. In the case of o-xylene, the ratio of the products is I:II:III = 1:2:3.