Solved: CHEMISTRY Question for NEET

NEET CHEMISTRYEasy

Which one of the following can be oxidised to the corresponding carbonyl compound?

2-hydroxy propane

Ortho-nitro phenol

propane

2-methyl-2-hydroxy propane

Reaction Principle: The oxidation of alcohols involves the formation of a carbon-oxygen double bond with the cleavage of an O-H and a C-H bond.

Primary Alcohols ( $RCH_2OH$ ) are oxidised to Aldehydes ( $RCHO$ ).
Secondary Alcohols ( $R_2CHOH$ ) are oxidised to Ketones ( $R_2C=O$ ).
Tertiary Alcohols ( $R_3COH$ ) do not undergo oxidation easily because they lack a hydrogen atom on the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group. Under strong conditions, they undergo cleavage to form mixtures of carboxylic acids containing fewer carbon atoms.

2-hydroxy propane (Isopropyl alcohol): This is a secondary alcohol ( $CH_3-CH(OH)-CH_3$ ). Upon oxidation (e.g., with $CrO_3$ ), it yields Acetone ( $CH_3-CO-CH_3$ ), which is a carbonyl compound.
Ortho-nitro phenol: Phenols are generally difficult to oxidise to simple carbonyl compounds; stronger oxidation yields quinones.
Propane: An alkane; controlled oxidation is required to form alcohols or aldehydes, but it is not the standard method for preparing carbonyls compared to alcohol oxidation.
2-methyl-2-hydroxy propane (tert-Butyl alcohol): This is a tertiary alcohol and does not oxidise to a corresponding carbonyl compound.

Conclusion: 2-hydroxy propane is the only compound listed that readily oxidises to a corresponding carbonyl compound (a ketone) without breaking the carbon chain.

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