How many different alcohol isomers with molecular formula C5H12Ocan be...
All secondary alcohol isomers can be oxidised to ketones.
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How many different alcohol isomers with molecular formula C5H12Ocan be...
The molecular formula C5H12O suggests the presence of an alcohol with five carbon atoms. In order to determine the number of different alcohol isomers that can be oxidized to ketones using K2Cr2O7 - H2SO4, we need to consider the possible structures of alcohols with this formula.
1. Draw all possible alcohol isomers
To determine the different alcohol isomers, we can draw all possible structures with the molecular formula C5H12O. Let's consider the following isomers:
- Pentanol (C5H11OH)
- 2-Methylbutanol (C5H11OH)
- 3-Methylbutanol (C5H11OH)
- 2,2-Dimethylpropanol (C5H11OH)
- 2-Ethylbutanol (C5H11OH)
2. Identify the carbon atom adjacent to the hydroxyl group
In order for an alcohol to undergo oxidation to a ketone, it must have a carbon atom adjacent to the hydroxyl group. Let's identify the carbon atoms adjacent to the hydroxyl group in each isomer:
- Pentanol: The hydroxyl group is attached to a primary carbon atom, making it suitable for oxidation.
- 2-Methylbutanol: The hydroxyl group is attached to a secondary carbon atom, making it suitable for oxidation.
- 3-Methylbutanol: The hydroxyl group is attached to a secondary carbon atom, making it suitable for oxidation.
- 2,2-Dimethylpropanol: The hydroxyl group is attached to a tertiary carbon atom, making it unsuitable for oxidation.
- 2-Ethylbutanol: The hydroxyl group is attached to a secondary carbon atom, making it suitable for oxidation.
3. Determine the number of alcohols that can be oxidized
From the above analysis, we can see that there are a total of 3 alcohol isomers (Pentanol, 2-Methylbutanol, and 3-Methylbutanol) that can be oxidized to ketones using K2Cr2O7 - H2SO4.
Therefore, the correct answer is '3', not '5'.