Question

The product ${}^{\prime }{X}^{\prime }$ on oxidation with $HI{O}_4$ gives :

• A. $HCHO$
• B. $C{H}_3-CHO$
• C. $C{O}_2$
• D. $HCOOH$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

The substrate is an ester . When heated with alkali, the ester group is hydrolyzed (as in saponification reaction). Thus, the compound ${}^{\prime }{X}^{\prime }$ is a triol. This triol ${}^{\prime }{X}^{\prime }$ on oxidation with periodic acid ($HI{O}_4$) gives two moles of formaldehyde ($HCHO$) and one mole of formic acid ($HCOOH$).
Note: In case of triol, the central carbon atom is oxidized to acid and the terminal carbon atoms are oxidized to carbonyl group.