Compound 'A' with the formula `C_(3)H_(8)O` on vigorous oxidation produces an acid `C_(3)H_(6)O_(2)`. 'A' is

Options

A. a tertiary alcohol
B. a secondary alcohol
C. a primary alcohol
D. not necessarily an alcohol

Explanation

To determine the identity of compound 'A' with the formula C₃H₈O that produces an acid C₃H₆O₂ upon vigorous oxidation, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the molecular formula of compound 'A'
The molecular formula of compound 'A' is C₃H₈O. This indicates that it could be an alcohol, as alcohols typically have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH.

### Step 2: Understand the process of vigorous oxidation
Vigorous oxidation refers to a complete oxidation process. In the case of alcohols, vigorous oxidation can lead to the formation of carboxylic acids. The product formed upon oxidation is C₃H₆O₂, which is a carboxylic acid.

### Step 3: Determine the type of alcohol
To produce an acid with the same number of carbon atoms (C₃) as the original alcohol (C₃H₈O), we need to consider the types of alcohols:
- **Primary alcohols**: Oxidation of primary alcohols typically yields carboxylic acids with the same number of carbon atoms.
- **Secondary alcohols**: Oxidation of secondary alcohols yields ketones, which do not have the same number of carbon atoms as the original alcohol.
- **Tertiary alcohols**: Tertiary alcohols do not oxidize to form carboxylic acids; they generally do not undergo oxidation to yield a product with the same number of carbon atoms.

### Step 4: Identify the specific alcohol
Given that the oxidation of compound 'A' (C₃H₈O) results in an acid (C₃H₆O₂), we can conclude that 'A' must be a primary alcohol. The structure of a primary alcohol with three carbon atoms is:
- CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-OH (which is propanol).

### Step 5: Confirm the oxidation product
When propanol (C₃H₈O) undergoes vigorous oxidation, it converts to propanoic acid (C₃H₆O₂), which has the structure CH₃-CH₂-COOH. This confirms that the oxidation process maintains the number of carbon atoms.

### Conclusion
Thus, compound 'A' is a primary alcohol.

### Final Answer:
**Compound 'A' is a primary alcohol.**

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