An alcohol on vigorous oxidation with `K_(2)Cr_(2)O_(7)` and `H_(2)SO_(4)` gives `CH_(3)COOH` and `CH_(3)CH_(2)COOH`. The alcohol is likely to be

Options

A. `CH_(3)CHOHCH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(3)`
B. `(CH_(3))_(2)C(OH)CH_(2)CH_(3)`
C. `CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(2)OH`
D. `CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(2)OH`

Answer

A

Explanation

A secondary alcohol , on oxidation first gives a ketone with the same number of carbon atoms as the original alcohol. Ketones are fairly difficult to oxidize, but prolonged action of the oxidizing agents produces a mixture of acids , each containing fewer carbon atoms than the original alcohol.
`CH_(3)CHOHCH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(3) overset([O]) rarr CH_(3)CO + CH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(3) overset([O]) rarr CH_(3)COOH + CH_(3)CH_(2)COOH`