Question

Which is the major product formed in the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 3-methyl -2- butanone?

• A. Product A
• B. Product B
• C. Both products A and B are formed in equal ratios
• D. Both products A and B are minor products

Answer 1

The correct option is B Product B

Keto group on reacting with peroxy acid, it get oxidised to ester compound.
In this reaction, the oxygen from peroxy acid is getting inserted between the ketone and the R group.
This reaction is called Baeyer- Villiger oxidation.

If it is a unsymmetrical ketone, then, ‘O’ insertion occurs between the carbonyl group and the R group which have higher migratory aptitude.
The order of migratory aptitude in Baeyer villiger oxidation is
$H>3^o>2^o>Ph>1^o>C{H}_3$

Hence, 'O' is inserted between the keto and secondary alkyl group in the given reaction. Thus, product B is major.