Full question: An alcohol of molecular formula C4H10O2 contains two OH groups and has an unbranched carbon atom chain.
On reaction with excess hot potassium permanganate this alcohol is converted into a compound of molecular C4H6O4
To which carbon atoms in the chain of the alcohol are the two OH groups attached?
A: 1 and 2
B: 1 and 3
C: 1 and 4
D: 2 and 3
And an explanation as to how you would obtain the answer would be good.
Thanks :)
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To determine which carbon atoms in the chain of the alcohol the two OH groups are attached to, we need to analyze the molecular formula and the reaction with hot potassium permanganate.
The molecular formula of the alcohol is C4H10O2. This tells us that there are four carbon atoms in the chain because the prefix "C4" indicates the number of carbon atoms. We also know that there are two OH groups in the molecule, so they must be attached to two of the four carbon atoms.
Now, let's consider the reaction with hot potassium permanganate. When the alcohol reacts with hot potassium permanganate (KMnO4), it undergoes oxidation. The product of this reaction is a compound with the molecular formula C4H6O4.
Since the product still contains four carbon atoms, it means that none of the carbon atoms in the chain have been lost during the reaction. This suggests that the two OH groups must be attached to two adjacent carbon atoms in the chain.
Based on this information, we can determine that the answer is option D: 2 and 3. The two OH groups are attached to the second and third carbon atoms in the chain.
To conclude, by analyzing the molecular formula of the alcohol and the reaction with hot potassium permanganate, we can determine that the two OH groups are attached to carbon atoms 2 and 3 in the chain.