MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #337

When 2-pentanone is subjected to vigorous oxidation with boiling concentrated nitric acid, what is the nature of the resulting organic products?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #337

  1. Question 1

    Q1. When 2-pentanone is subjected to vigorous oxidation with boiling concentrated nitric acid, what is the nature of the resulting organic products?

    • A) Carboxylic acids with fewer carbon atoms
    • B) Carboxylic acids with same carbon atoms
    • C) Secondary alcohols
    • D) Alkanes

    Answer: Carboxylic acids with fewer carbon atoms

    Explanation: Ketones oxidize only with strong agents like K2Cr2O7/H2SO4, yielding carboxylic acids with fewer carbons than the parent ketone due to C-C cleavage.