An alkane with the molecular formula C ₅ H ₁₂ undergoes oxidation when treated with alkaline KMnO ₄ to yield an alcohol. What is the IUPAC name of the alcohol formed?

Step-by-step solution

The given molecular formula is C ₅ H ₁₂ , which corresponds to an alkane. The possible structural isomers for C ₅ H ₁₂ are: 1) n -Pentane ( CH ₃- CH ₂- CH ₂- CH ₂- CH ₃ ) 2) 2-Methylbutane ( CH ₃- CH ( CH ₃)- CH ₂- CH ₃ ) 3) 2,2-Dimethylpropane ( C ( CH ₃)₄ ) Alkanes generally resist oxidation. However, an alkane having a tertiary hydrogen atom can be selectively oxidized to the corresponding alcohol by strong oxidizing agents like KMnO ₄ . Among the isomers of C ₅ H ₁₂ , only 2-Methylbutane possesses a tertiary hy