Question

A compound, containing only carbon, and hydrogen and oxygen, has a molecular weight of 44. On complete oxidation it is converted into a compound of molecular weight 60. The original compound is:

• A. an aldehyde
• B. an acid
• C. an alcohol
• D. an ether

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

an aldehyde

A compound, containing only carbon, and hydrogen and oxygen, has a molecular weight of 44.
On complete oxidation, it is converted into a compound of molecular weight 60.
The difference in molecular weight is 60−44=1660−44=16. It corresponds to one oxygen atom.
The complete oxidation product is a carboxylic acid. One oxygen atom less will be an aldehdye.
The original compound is an aldehyde.