Question

Given below are two statements:


Statement I: 2-methylbutane on oxidation with $KMn{O}_4$ gives 2-methylbutan-2-ol.

Statement II: n-alkanes can be easily oxidized to corresponding alcohols with $KMn{O}_4$.

Choose the correct option:

• A. Both statement I and statement II are incorrect
• B. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

Answer 1

The correct option is B Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

Normally oxidising agents have no effect on alkanes. However, alkanes containing a tertiary hydrogen atom can be oxidised by oxidising agents such as $KMn{O}_4$ to the corresponding alcohols.
Example: 2-methylbutane on oxidation with $KMn{O}_4$ gives 2-methylbutan-2-ol.
n-alkanes because of the presence of only sigma bonds and the absence of pi bonds, are quite stable and hence do not react with $KMn{O}_4$.

Option (b) is correct.