A compound `X` of formula `C_(3)H_(8)O` yields a compound `C_(3)H_(6)O`, on oxidation. To which of the following classes of compounds could `X` being

Options

A. Secondary alcohol
B. Alkene
C. Aldehyde
D. Tertiary alcohol

Answer

To determine the class of compound `X` with the formula `C3H8O`, which yields `C3H6O` upon oxidation, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the molecular formula of compound `X`
- The molecular formula of `X` is `C3H8O`. This indicates that it contains three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

### Step 2: Understand the oxidation process
- The oxidation of compound `X` results in the formation of a new compound with the formula `C3H6O`. This indicates that during the oxidation, two hydrogen atoms are removed from `X`.

### Step 3: Consider the possible classes of alcohols
- The compound `X` could be classified as:
- Primary alcohol
- Secondary alcohol
- Tertiary alcohol

### Step 4: Evaluate the oxidation products
- **Primary alcohols**: Upon oxidation, primary alcohols yield aldehydes.
- **Secondary alcohols**: Upon oxidation, secondary alcohols yield ketones.
- **Tertiary alcohols**: Tertiary alcohols do not oxidize easily and typically do not yield a product with a lower hydrogen count.

### Step 5: Determine the nature of the product
- Since the product `C3H6O` is likely an aldehyde or a ketone, we need to consider the structure of `X`:
- If `X` were a primary alcohol, it would yield an aldehyde.
- If `X` were a secondary alcohol, it would yield a ketone.
- If `X` were a tertiary alcohol, it would not yield a product with the formula `C3H6O`.

### Step 6: Conclusion
- Since `X` can yield a compound with the formula `C3H6O` upon oxidation, it cannot be a tertiary alcohol. Therefore, `X` must be either a primary or a secondary alcohol. However, since the question specifies that `X` yields a compound with a formula that suggests a ketone or aldehyde, it is more likely that `X` is a secondary alcohol.

Thus, the class of compound `X` could be a **secondary alcohol**.