Question

Conversion of given reaction to the given product will take place in how many step?

Answer 1

3,3-dimethyloctan-4-ol is converted to 3,3-dimethyloctan-4-one by PCC oxidation. PCC oxidises secondary hydroxyl group to keto group. Clemmensen reduction with $Zn/Hg$ and conc. $HCl$ converts carbonyl group to methylene group. It converts 3,3-dimethyloctan-4-one to 3,3-dimethyloctane.