Question

What is the starting material for the given oxidation reaction?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Analysing each of these options by oxidising the given alkenes, we get,

• The product obtained on the oxidation of alkene (a) with acidic $KMn{O}_4$ will have a keto group. However, the product mentioned in the question has only carboxylic acid groups. Hence, option (a) cannot give the required product.

• The oxidation of alkene (b) with acidic $KMn{O}_4$ is given as:
  

• Hence, the alkene given in option (b) will give the required product. Oxidation of alkenes in option (c) and (d) will not give the required product (i.e., both (c) and (d) on oxidation will give mono carboxylic acid, but the product specified in the question is tricarboxylic acid).

• Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.