Chemistry Alcohols & Phenols MDCAT 2019
PMDC Verified Question 72 of 95
Select the reagent X from the following choices for this conversation;

\(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}(\text{OH})\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Reagent X}} \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}(\text{CH}_3)_2\)
A
Acidified Phosphoric acid
B
Acidified Potassium dichromate (VI)
C
Acidified Potassium hydroxide
D
Acidified Oxalic acid
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Acidified Potassium dichromate (VI)
Concept:

The chemical equation shows a secondary alcohol (3-methyl-2-butanol) being converted into a ketone (3-methyl-2-butanone). This process is an oxidation.

Formula:

$$ \text{R}_2\text{CH-OH} \xrightarrow{[O]} \text{R}_2\text{C=O} $$

Solution:

  • We must select a strong oxidizing agent capable of this transformation.


  • Acidified Potassium dichromate (VI), or \(\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 / \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\), is the standard laboratory oxidizing agent used for converting alcohols into carbonyl compounds.


Why other options are incorrect:

Phosphoric acid is a dehydrating agent (forms alkenes). KOH is a strong base, not an oxidizing agent. Oxalic acid is a weak organic acid, not an oxidant.

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