What are X and Y respectively in the following reaction sequence?
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When an alkene is oxidized by KMnO_4, the oxidation usually introduces hydroxyl groups. The subsequent dehydration of alcohols commonly yields alkenes.
In the given reaction sequence, isopentane is treated with KMnO_4, which is a strong oxidizing agent. KMnO_4 oxidizes the alkyl chain of isopentane to produce a hydroxylated intermediate (X). This results in the formation of 2-methyl-2-butanol as X.
When 2-methyl-2-butanol undergoes dehydration, it forms 2-methyl-1-butene (Y), a major product.
Thus, the correct answer is option (1), where X is 2-methyl-2-butanol, and Y is 2-methyl-1-butene.
