Question:

Which of the following alcohols needs acidic KMnO\(_4\) to convert it into aldehyde or ketone?

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KMnO\(_4\) is effective for oxidizing primary and secondary alcohols, but tertiary alcohols are usually resistant to oxidation.
Updated On: Jan 27, 2026
  • Ethanol
  • Propan -1-ol
  • Propan -2-ol
  • 2-Methyl propan -2-ol
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the use of KMnO\(_4\).
KMnO\(_4\) is a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. Secondary alcohols like propan-2-ol are oxidized to ketones by KMnO\(_4\), while primary alcohols can be converted into aldehydes.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Ethanol: Ethanol is a primary alcohol and needs a stronger oxidizer to convert it to an aldehyde.
(B) Propan-1-ol: Propan-1-ol is a primary alcohol, which requires KMnO\(_4\) for oxidation to an aldehyde, not a ketone.
(C) Propan-2-ol: This is a secondary alcohol that reacts with KMnO\(_4\) to form acetone (a ketone).
(D) 2-Methyl propan-2-ol: This is a tertiary alcohol, which is generally resistant to oxidation by KMnO\(_4\).

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Propan-2-ol, which can be oxidized by KMnO\(_4\) to a ketone.
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